Starting Oct. 21, 2025, Tahoe National Forest will begin a prescribed under burn north of Truckee along roadways near Stampede, Boca and Prosser reservoirs. Ignitions on up to 168 acres will begin today and continue for up to two weeks, dependent on weather conditions.
This prescribed burn is a continuation of critical roadside fuels reduction work that began in 2023 along Tahoe National Forest roads to establish fuel breaks in the event of a wildfire. Fuel breaks can provide improved opportunities for fire suppression. Along roads, they also help establish safe ingress and egress routes for the public and firefighting resources should a wildfire impact the area.
Smoke may be visible from Truckee and the surrounding areas. Winds are currently forecasted to move southwest. Smoke may settle in valleys overnight but is projected to clear during the day. Smoke impacts will be carefully monitored, and all efforts will be taken to reduce impacts to communities.
Area residents and visitors planning to recreate in the area are asked to be aware of their surroundings, be prepared for possible short-term smoke and reduced visibility, and to watch for vehicle traffic and firefighters working near roads.
East Zone Roads Under Burn – Units 1-4
Acres: Up to 168 possible
Ignition Dates: Beginning Oct. 21, continuing for up to 2 weeks, conditions permitting
Legal Location: T 18N R 16E Sec 11
Why Are We Burning?
The goal of this prescribed burn is to decrease the existing fire hazard and to prevent and reduce the impact of future fires in the area. Other benefits include enhancing wildlife habitat and reintroducing fire into a fire-adapted ecosystem.
Why Now?
Current conditions allow for prescribed burning. Each prescribed fire operation follows a prescribed fire burn plan, which considers temperature, humidity, wind, moisture of the vegetation, and conditions for the dispersal of smoke. This information is used to decide when and where to burn. The Tahoe National Forest strives to give as much advance notice as possible before burning, but some operations may be conducted on short notice.
Smoke
Smoke from prescribed fire operations is normal and may continue for several days after an ignition depending on the project size and environmental conditions. Smoke may settle into the valleys in the evening and lift in the morning. The Tahoe National Forest coordinates with state and local county air pollution control districts and monitors weather conditions closely prior to prescribed fire ignition. Crews also conduct test burns before igniting a larger area, to verify how effectively fuels are consumed and how smoke will travel.