For Immediate Release: November 10, 2022
Media Contact: Jennifer Chapman, jennifer.chapman@usda.gov, Eldorado National Forest
For more information about smoke, contact Assistant Forest Fire Management Officer Jecobie Waters at (530) 621-5223 or jecobie.waters@usda.gov
Eldorado National Forest to Resume Prescribed Burning Program
PLACERVILLE, CA – The Eldorado National Forest plans to resume its prescribed burning program beginning the week of November 14 after recent storm activity has created conditions favorable for burning. Multiple pile burn and understory burn projects will be conducted, as conditions permit, this fall, winter, and spring, on the Georgetown, Pacific, Placerville, and Amador Ranger Districts.
“Our prescribed fire program is one of the best ways we can improve forest health, reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire, and continue the great work that’s been done as part of our wildfire recovery efforts,” said Aaron Mayville, Acting Forest Supervisor. “We are committed to safely getting this work done over the coming months when our weather windows allow.”
Each operation follows a specialized burn plan, in which temperature, humidity, wind, vegetation moisture, and smoke dispersal conditions are considered on a daily basis before a prescribed fire is implemented.
By removing excess vegetation, prescribed fire reduces the severity of future wildfires which helps protect communities and makes the landscape more resilient. It also makes room for new growth, which provides forage for wildlife, recycles nutrients back into the soil, and helps reduce the spread of insects and disease in forests.
Smoke from prescribed fire operations is normal and may continue for several days after an ignition depending on the project size, conditions, and weather. Prescribed fire smoke is generally less intense and of much shorter duration than smoke produced by unwanted wildfires. Fire managers consider optimal conditions for dispersal and duration of smoke impacts when planning prescribed burns.
Prescribed fire updates for the Eldorado National Forest will be posted on Twitter @EldoradoNF.
For the El Dorado Forest Service Website, click here.