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June 17, 2023 - Evening Update - Burn operations for today have concluded successfully and to date, approximately 1,000 acres have been accomplished. It is important to note that the burn does not necessarily result in a completely blackened landscape. The prescription for this burn is a hope to accomplish 70% consumption of the ground litter, including needle cast, leaves, and dead and down chaparral.

In conducting a prescribed burn with this level of consumption, the aim is to create an environment conducive to the growth of new vegetation. This burn helps to remove accumulated debris and promote the regeneration of new plant life. The areas that have been treated will likely exhibit a mix of burned and unburned vegetation, with new growth emerging in the burned areas in the future.

Prescribed burns are a tool to maintain healthy ecosystems, reduce fuel loads, and mitigate the risk of severe wildfires. They also assist in promoting habitat and enhancing the overall health of the landscape.

Our helicopter was able to capture the following photos and video to provide a visual of what the prescribed burn is doing. Additional photos show the prescribed burn being contained within the designated area.

The fire is still burning within the unit and sending up smoke; at times visible from Highway 74. Crews will be monitoring and working throughout the evening. Operations will begin again tomorrow at 9am.

#prescribedfire #foresthealth #thomasmountainprescribedburn

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