NEVADA CITY, CALIF. (Sept. 29, 2023) — Tahoe National Forest plans to resume fall prescribed fire operations as early as Sept. 29, 2023, dependent on fuels and weather conditions. Planned burn locations and timeline to complete projects may vary across the forest. 

Upcoming potential prescribed burns include: 

American River Ranger District 

  • 500-acre underburn near French Meadows Reservoir 
  • 260-acre pile burn near French Meadows Reservoir 
  • Several additional pile burns may occur across the district asconditions and resources allow 

Truckee Ranger District 

  • 500-acre underburn near Sagehen Hills  
  • 30-acres of pile burning at various locations on the district 

Sierraville Ranger District 

  • 526-acre underburn near Little Truckee Summit 
  • 250-acres of pile burning at various locations on the district 

Yuba River Ranger District 

  • 360-acre underburn near Yuba Pass and Highway 49 
  • 300-acre underburn near Gold Lake Highway and Snag Lake 
  • 300-acre underburn near Madrone Springs 
  • 500-acres of pile burning at various locations on the district 
Prescribed fire on the Tahoe National Forest

Fall typically brings cooler temperatures and precipitation, which can be ideal for conducting prescribed fires. Each operation follows a specialized burn plan, wherein temperature, humidity, wind, vegetation moisture and smoke dispersal conditions are considered daily before a prescribed fire is implemented. All this information is used to decide if and when to burn. 

Prescribed fires are part of vital fuels reduction efforts aiming to reduce the severity of future wildfires, restore forest health and diversity, and provide added protection for surrounding communities.Â