Single Publication

SONORA, California, May 30, 2023 – Fire managers have made good progress on the Strawberry Prescribed Fire having burned nearly 500 acres as of May 30. Motorists driving along the Highway 108 corridor may notice fire and smoke along the roadway as well as fire apparatus beginning Wednesday, June 1 and continuing June 9.

Motorists are urged to slow down and exercise caution when approaching Little Sweden from the east bound lane of Highway 108, the location of fire camp, all the way to the upper turn-off of Old Strawberry Road. Fire apparatus will be stationed along the highway to help remind motorists to exercise caution.
Currently there are 157 fire fighters assigned to the incident but numbers are expected to increase to nearly 300 personnel in the next few days.

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.