Beale AFB, California – Approximately 25 acres of prescribed burning is scheduled for June 23rd 2021 on Beale Air Force Base along S. Beale Rd and the Wheatland Gate.
There is a potential for delays coming through the Wheatland Gate as some smoke may impact the road. There will be emergency personnel along the roadways so please drive slow.
The intention of this prescribed burn is to reduce hazardous and flammable fuels around S. Beale Road and the railroad tracks. This will also improve rangeland by reducing invasive and noxious grass species. In addition, the prescribed fire will incorporate live fire training for the Beale Fire Department.
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 Air Quality Management Districts 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.