Fire crews to conduct prescribed burns in California Valley starting today
– Cal Fire San Luis Obispo and partner agencies plan to conduct prescribed burns in California Valley beginning May 26 through June 19, weather and air quality conditions permitting.
The project will take place near Fire Station 42 in California Valley. Smoke may be visible throughout the area, including along Highway 58, Branch Mountain Road, and Soda Lake Road. Officials said the public can expect periodic smoke impacts from late May through mid-June.
According to Cal Fire, the prescribed burns are part of a coordinated effort involving the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Caltrans, Sequoia Riverlands Trust, and the San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution Control District.
The agencies said the burns aim to manage the spread of yellow star thistle, an invasive plant species. Officials said prescribed fire helps reduce the spread of the plant by burning it before it sets seed, reducing the soil seed bank, and allowing native grasses and vegetation to recover.
The operations also aim to reduce wildfire risk by lowering available fuel on the landscape.
Fire resources assigned to the project are expected to include three to four fire engines and one to two hand crews each day. Officials said crews will conduct operations under environmental guidelines and only on permissive burn days designated by the air pollution control district.
Motorists traveling in the area are advised to use caution because fire equipment and personnel may be present along roadways. Officials said smoke in the area is part of a planned and controlled operation.
