November 4, 2026 - The Bass Lake Ranger District on the Sierra National Forest has implemented prescribed fire operations on the 842 acre Incline Roush Project. Required approvals were acquired prior to ignitions, which began Tuesday, November 3. Fire management staff estimate the project to continue through the first week of November. Prescribed fire operations are intended to continue through winter 2026 and winter-spring 2027, or as weather conditions allow. The Forest Service uses prescribed fire to help reduce overgrown vegetation, help protect local communities, infrastructure, and natural resources from wildfires, and prepare for reforestation.

Map

Prescribed fire operations are planned for the following sites on the Bass Lake Ranger District:

• Pile Burning – Incline Roush Project
  • Whisky Ridge – Camp 14 area, near Roads 8S70 and 8S23

Fire management officials work with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn. 

What does this mean for you?

• During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours.
• All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts.
• If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner.
• If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible.
• When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on their headlights, and set their air-conditioning to recirculate.
• If you have heart disease, or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel. If symptoms worsen, consider contacting your health care professional.
• For information on smoke impacts and how to reduce exposure, please visit www.airnow.gov or www.valleyair.org.

Residents and visitors to Cascadel Woods, North Fork, Bass Lake, Oakhurst,  Hogue Ranch, Auberry, Meadow Lakes and Alder Springs and Shaver Lake, and other mountain communities may see smoke and flames from the project areas.  Residents and visitors are encouraged to avoid reporting planned projects through the 911 system.  

Smoke from the ignitions may be visible from the Valley Floor, through the ALERTCalifornia.org camera network, and other vantage points. Visitors are encouraged to use caution and watch for fire crews and equipment when traveling near and through prescribed burn areas.  

For more information on these prescribed fire projects and activities, please contact the Bass Lake Ranger District Office at 559 877-2218.

Source: SNF