September 26, 2019 – Today’s burn went well with the accomplishment of 45 acres. Burning may continue in the same area, Friday, September 27th as long as weather conditions remain favorable. The location is near Prosser OHV staging area and Hwy 89 North, west of the highway. T18N 16E sec 28.
Predicted weather forecasts over the week is for a more wet and cold weather pattern. We have been monitoring weather patterns and fuel moisture on these burn units to ensure we meet the prescription outlined in the burn plan. This prescribed fire has been planned for several years, however we have not been able to implement due to weather conditions or resource availability. If we control when and where fires are ignited, we will reduce the threat of a wildfire because the fuel is no longer available to burn. These planned prescribed fires will help reduce wildfires if enough of it is accomplished over the landscape. Smoke may settle into drainages and low lying areas during cooler nighttime temperatures and lift out the next day as temperatures increase.
After the prescribed burn is completed, the area will be patrolled and monitored daily. Patrolling and monitoring a prescribed burn after initial ignition will be carried out by qualified wildland fire fighters and will continue until fire is fully extinguished.
The goal of these underburns is to reduce the severity of future wildfires, provide added protection for communities in the wildland urban interface, and reestablish natural ecosystems utilizing fire. Reducing hazardous fuels through prescribed fire activities is the most effective and cost-efficient treatment that influences future fire behavior and suppression success, and increases forest health.
If you want to see what it’s like during a prescribed fire, visit the Tahoe National Forest Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/TahoeNF/