June 11, 2026 – The Nevada County Resource Conservation District (NCRCD) announces a planned prescribed burn operation at Olala Ranch on Thursday, June 11, 2026, as part of ongoing efforts to improve land stewardship, reduce wildfire risk, and enhance ecological health within Nevada County.

The 30-acre prescribed burn is scheduled as a nighttime operation, with ignition anticipated to begin at approximately 8:00 PM. Conducting the burn during evening hours allows fire personnel to take advantage of cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and more favorable weather conditions to maintain control of the broadcast burn and achieve desired ecological outcomes.

This prescribed fire is designed to support NCRCD’s land management objectives by:

  • Enhancing grazing conditions and forage quality.
  • Reducing invasive and exotic plant species.
  • Promoting native grasses and beneficial vegetation.
  • Supporting long-term wildfire risk reduction.
  • Building community understanding and capacity for the safe and effective use of prescribed fire as a land management tool.
Barbed goat grass 	ยฉ zebedeugalinha
Barbed goat grass ยฉ zebedeugalinha

The operation will be implemented by the experienced prescribed fire professionals of Terra Fuego, working under an approved burn plan and in coordination with applicable regulatory and safety requirements.

Funding for this project has been provided through CAL FIRE grant NEUNCORXFIRE, supporting efforts to increase forest and rangeland resilience while fostering community-based approaches to wildfire preparedness and ecological restoration.

Residents in the area may observe smoke and fire activity during the evening and overnight hours of the operation. Every effort will be made to minimize impacts to surrounding communities while achieving project objectives safely and effectively.

For questions or concerns regarding the prescribed burn, please contact:

Nathan Alcorn

Program Director

Nevada County Resource Conservation District

Phone: (309) 368-7575

Email: nate.alcorn@ncrcd.org

The Nevada County Resource Conservation District appreciates the public’s support as we continue to advance proactive land stewardship and wildfire resilience throughout Nevada County.

Prescribed Burn Operational Resources

To ensure safe and effective implementation of the prescribed burn, the following personnel and equipment will be assigned to the operation:

Primary Resources

  • 1 CAL FIRE Certified Burn Boss (CARX)
  • 1 Holding Boss
  • 1 Firing Boss
  • 9 Firefighters
  • 1 Type 6 Fire Engine (or equivalent) with qualified operator
  • 1 Skidgine (300-gallon fire suppression unit with dozer capability)

Contingency Resources (On-Site and Immediately Available)

  • 1 Additional Type 6 Fire Engine with qualified operator
  • 1 Additional Skidgine (300-gallon fire suppression unit with dozer blade)
  • 1 Additional Firefighter Squad

Total Resources Assigned to the Burn Operation

  • 1 CAL FIRE Certified Burn Boss (CARX)
  • 1 Holding Boss
  • 1 Firing Boss
  • 15 Firefighters
  • 2 Type 6 Fire Engines (or equivalent), each staffed with a qualified operator
  • 2 Skidgines (300-gallon fire suppression units with dozer capability)

Total Personnel on Scene: 22