Prescribed Burn Projects begin on the Hume Lake Ranger District

DUNLAP, Calif., November 2, 2017 – Today, Sequoia National Forest Fire Managers are initiating prescribed burn projects in the Hume Lake Ranger District in the Giant Sequoia National Monument. Fire management crews will conduct burn operations now that weather and smoke conditions have become favorable. Burning will begin today and will continue as long as conditions allow.

Pile burning will begin near Stony Creek Campground, Camp Far Horizon, and along Big Meadows road. Piles consist of small limbs, brush, and felled hazard trees from tree mortality in the Forest. Scattered piles are between 3500-7800 feet elevation across the district.

According to District Ranger, Carol Hallacy, once the burning is complete, piles may not be entirely consumed by the prescribed fire. “Typically, remnants of piles are left to protect the soil from erosion and promote the growth of new vegetation. Some piles will be intentionally left unburned to benefit wildlife by providing hiding coverage for a diversity of species such as mountain quail or wood rats.”

Forests need the frequent, low-intensity fire to remove accumulated smaller fuels and recycle nutrients into the soils to promote healthy vegetation and wildlife habitat. A healthier forest is a safer forest for firefighters and residents when wildfires inevitably occur.

Prescribed fires are essential tools for restoring the forests in our fire-adapted ecosystem. Unfortunately, smoke is an unavoidable byproduct of these vital efforts. Fire managers strive to minimize smoke impacts to the community as much as possible. Smoke from the prescribed burning operations will be visible along roads and in nearby communities. Forest personnel are working closely with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to manage smoke production and reduce impact to communities.

Weather is an essential factor in the planning and implementation of a prescribed fire. Wind speed and direction, temperature, relative humidity and measurable moisture in vegetation are all taken into consideration prior to initiating any burning activities. Projects are dependent upon weather and wind conditions and will be canceled if conditions are not suitable. For more information, please contact the Hume Lake Ranger District at 559-338-2251.

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