Single Publication

Today fuels specialists on the Upper Lake Ranger District have prepped a unit at Howard Mill to conduct understory burn operations on Thursday, May 11, pending favorable weather conditions.

Fire managers have the potential to treat from 40 to 136 acres, depending on which unit is ideal to burn. The Howard Mill unit is located near Penny Pines Campground on the Upper Lake Ranger District. The M1 Road and the 16N01 Road (Upper Deer Valley Road) may be impacted by smoke. Trails in that area may also have smoke, although those trails remain closed.

If weather conditions allow planned ignitions Thursday morning, then firefighters will mop up Friday, May 12, extinguishing any remaining burning materials. Patrols are scheduled through the weekend to monitor the burn unit.

Fire managers conduct prescribed fire activities during the safest possible “burn windows.” Numerous factors including wind, humidity, air quality, fuel moisture and availability of fire crew personnel must be met before crews are authorized to move forward with burning.

Residents and visitors are asked to avoid the area where the prescribed burn is being conducted. Some smoke may be visible from communities around the lake, but significant smoke impacts are not anticipated.

People should not be alarmed as the fires are carefully monitored. Local fire and government authorities are notified and kept informed throughout prescribed fire operations.