U.S. Forest Service begins fall planned burns to reduce fire risk

The U.S. Forest Service has announced the start of its fall prescribed burning efforts across California’s 18 national forests.

The planned burns are part of the Forest Service’s ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risk and restore the health of forest ecosystems, and cooler temperatures provide ideal conditions to safely reduce the vegetation that acts as fuel for fires.

“We set a record for number of prescribed acres burned last year, and we will continue to lead the way in accomplishing this important work,” said Jaime Gamboa, USDA’s Pacific Southwest Region Fire Director.

Prescribed burns are fires that are intentionally set by fire personnel. Other than cutting down vegetation that fuels catastrophic wildfires, the burns also promote the growth of trees, wildflowers and other plants by restoring natural fire cycles.

Firefighter Charles VeaVea pours flames from a drip torch near the Kings River during a prescribed fire in Kings Canyon National Park on June 11, 2019. (Brian Melley / Associated Press)

Prescribed fires can also minimize the spread of pests and disease and improve habitats for wildlife, the Forest Service says.

Fire managers will assess weather conditions, including temperatures, humidity and winds, to ensure an intentionally set fire can be safely managed. Smoke impacts are also considered, officials said, with burn days chosen when smoke can be dispersed without causing a major impact to the community.

Information about specific burns in California can be found on individual forest websites and social media platforms like Facebook and X.

The U.S. Forest Service has announced the start of its fall prescribed burning efforts across California’s 18 national forests. The planned burns are part of the Forest Service’s ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risk and restore the health of forest ecosystems, and cooler temperatures provide ideal conditions to safely reduce the vegetation that acts as […]