Single Publication

SONORA, California, May 18, 2023 – Weather and conditions dependent, fire managers with the Stanislaus National Forest’s Summit Ranger District will begin prescribed fire operations near the town of Strawberry, Thursday, May 25. The burn will continue into June as conditions allow.

The majority of the burn units are located north of Highway 108 in between the Cold Springs and Leland Meadows.

Up to 2800 acres can be treated with low-intensity fire, with planned ignition on approximately 50-200 acres daily.  Daily area burnt will vary based on environmental conditions and smoke production.

With the prescribed burn, fire professional will reduce the buildup of flammable forest fuels, both ground fuels and ladder fuels; reduce the threat of uncontrolled, large and damaging fires; treat activity generated fuels; improve protection for life, property, and resources.

Prescribed burning is an effective, cost-efficient method of reducing flammable forest fuels, improving firefighting capabilities, and reducing the impacts of large, uncontrolled damaging wildland fires.

With burn operations expected to be on-going during the Memorial Day weekend, the Stanislaus National Forest will have public information officers available at locations along the Highway 108 corridor to provide maps and answer any questions.

Smoke may be visible from Hwy. 108. Fire managers are working closely with local air districts and the California Air Resources Board to Mitigate the effects of smoke on the public.