October 27, 2026 - Sierra National Forest fire officials plan to implement their fall/winter/spring prescribed burning program within the Bass Lake Ranger District for approximately 3300 total acres. The burning is planned to take place from October through early May, depending on weather and resource availability.

These projects areas are located throughout the district in both Madera and Mariposa Counties. The burns will be conducted within the proximity of urban interface as part of an on-going wildfire defense system across the forest to slow the progression of wildfires into surrounding communities such as Jerseydale, Ponderosa Basin, Sugar Pine, Fish Camp, Cedar Valley, North Fork and Oakhurst. 

For public and firefighter safety, signs will be posted along roadways where burning is taking place. Burning is planned for daytime conditions, to help limit visibility impacts from smoke to residences, and may occur during some weekend periods. The projects may result in a temporary reduction in air quality in the communities of North Fork, Ponderosa Basin, Jerseydale, Oakhurst, Fish Camp, Sugar Pine, Cedar Valley, Bass Lake, Ahwahnee, and surrounding areas.

Prescribed fires aim to reduce vegetation (fuels) accumulations due to tree mortality and timber harvest work within active timber sales, reforestation site preparation areas and fuels treatment project areas. This fuels reduction activity also provides firefighters with a safe area to engage in suppression activities, such as on the recent Railroad, Ferguson, Creek and Oak fires. Recurring treatments are necessary to maintain defense effectiveness as well as to promote ecosystem health, restoration, and resiliency.

The Forest Service coordinates all burning activities with the Mariposa County and San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to coincide with favorable weather conditions and smoke dispersion. There is also coordination with Cal Trans and local law enforcement agencies to keep traffic flowing smoothly along Hwy 41. Local community residents and forest visitors can learn more about air quality and smoke by visiting either www.airnow.gov or www.valleyair.org and traffic status along Hwy 41 at Roads, Traffic and Travel.

For more information on the planned prescribed burns, contact the Bass Lake Ranger District Office at (559) 877-2218 and check the Sierra National Forest Facebook page

Source: Sierra National Forest