Forest Service to Begin Prescribed Burning Projects
November 4th, 2014 by Eric Mart
Kernville, California, November 3, 2014 – Kern River Ranger District Fire Management personnel are planning to implement hazardous fuel reduction projects on three mountaintops surrounding the Kern River Valley. Two of the projects, initiated in 2013, are in the second phase.
The projects are located in the mountains of Greenhorn, Piutes and Breckenridge. All projects are on forest land adjacent to communities dense with high amounts of hazardous fuels. Fuel reduction activities on the projects will have beneficial impacts on health and public safety in the project areas by reducing the risk of a stand-replacing fire and restoring natural ecosystems.
The Forest Service expects to burn 1,000 acres this year in small units designed to minimize effects of smoke on communities. Smoke will be visible from most areas surrounding Isabella Lake.
Road and/or trail closures are not anticipated.
Fire managers will work closely with the Eastern Kern and San Joaquin County Air Pollution Control Districts to manage smoke production and reduce any local impacts. Smoke will be visible from most communities surrounding Isabella Lake.
Prescribed burn efforts will continue throughout the winter as weather, air quality and available resources permit.
For further information please contact District Fuels Specialist, Ernie Villa, at (760) 376-3781, ext. #621.