Prescribed Burning Begins in the Giant Sequoia National Monument

Sequoia National Forest personnel are planning to begin prescribed burning in the Western Divide Ranger District, Giant Sequoia National Monument. Burning could start as early as the week of January 9th. As soon as weather and smoke conditions are favorable for burning, fire crews are prepared to conduct the burns. As weather conditions and smoke dispersal allows, burning will continue through April of 2012.

The area that fire management staff has targeted to burn is near the community of Ponderosa at an elevation of 7,500 feet. There are approximately 1200 acres of hand piles of small limbs, brush, and trees that were created from a hazardous fuels reduction project. The material removed posed a safety hazard to communities and forest visitors.

When the burning is completed, the piles themselves may not be entirely consumed in the fire. Typically there are remnants of the pile left to protect the soil from erosion, and promote growth of new vegetation. Some piles will be intentionally left unburned to benefit wildlife.

Smoke from the prescribed burning operations will be visible in the Ponderosa area. Forest personnel will be working closely with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to manage smoke production and reduce any local impacts.

Media planning to visit the burn project areas are asked to notify Denise Alonzo, Public Affairs, at the Western Divide District Office (559) 539-2607, extension 212.