Beale AFB, California – Approximately 244 acres of prescribed burning is scheduled for June 17th 2025 on Beale Air Force Base near Doolittle Gate.
The purpose of this prescribed burn is to reduce hazardous and flammable fuels, as well as to improve rangeland conditions by targeting and reducing invasive and noxious grass species. In addition to these ecological and safety benefits, this operation provides valuable training opportunities and fosters a cohesive working environment among the participating agencies: Beale Fire Department, CAL FIRE, Smartsville Fire Department, Wheatland Fire Department, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Prescribed burn operations will begin when areas come within prescriptive levels that meet the objectives of the prescribed fire plan. The Air Force will only initiate the burns with favorable weather conditions including humidity, temperature, wind speed and direction and moisture in the vegetation. Fire crews conduct small test fires before igniting the larger area to verify how effectively vegetation (fuels) will be consumed to ensure the burn and smoke management objectives can be met. Beale’s Air Quality Manager and Wildland Fire & Fuels Specialist work diligently with The Feather River Air Quality Management District to minimize smoke impacts to the residents and surrounding communities.
During active firing operations, fire personnel and vehicles working in these vicinities will be visible to the public. Motorists are reminded to slow down and drive with heightened caution when passing through active project areas.