California State Parks and Cal Fire To Begin Prescribed Fire Operations at Fort Ross State Historic Park on October 19

The prescribed burns are planned and coordinated with the Northern Sonoma County Air Pollution Control District to minimize the smoke impacts on surrounding communities. All burning depends on weather and air quality conditions that are favorable for smoke dispersal. If the conditions, such as weather or vegetation, are not conducive for burning, the burns will be rescheduled.

People traveling near the burn areas may see smoke from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the day of the burn, with some minimal smoke produced for up to 2-3 days following ignitions. In the unlikely event the public smells smoke, they are urged to take precautions and use common sense to reduce any harmful health effects by limiting outdoor activities. Prescribed burns produce significantly less smoke than a wildfire does.

These burns are part of State Parks’ Prescribed Fire program for vegetation management, hazardous fuel load reduction, wildlife habitat improvement, and other ecological benefits. Treatments are aimed at managing coastal prairies and enhancing biodiversity as part of the department’s grassland and forest management program. Fire is being reintroduced at state parks as a component of these ecosystems on a rotational basis.