Sequoia National Forest - Prescribed Burning - Camp Nelson

USDA Forest Service (USDA FS), Sequoia National Forest

Springville, September 29, 2007...On Friday November 30th, Sequoia National Forest personnel will begin their prescribed burning in the Tule River and Hot Springs Ranger Districts, Giant Sequoia National Monument. Weather and smoke conditions are predicted to be favorable for burning and fire crews are available to conduct the burns and remain on site until the piles are extinguished.

As weather conditions and air quality conditions allow over the next couple of weeks burning will continue. The debris piles initially planned to be burned are located south of the community of Camp Nelson near Coy Flat. This controlled burning is expected to last through the beginning of April and will include up to 600 acres.

These hand piles resulted from fuelbreak construction near homes to help protect them from wildland fires. With private landowners working to maintain their required clearances on their own property and efforts being done by the Forest Service, the hope is the area will be less susceptible to wildfire, helping protect the communities that are in and around it.

When 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 left unburned to benefit wildlife.

Smoke from the burn operations will be visible around Camp Nelson and Coy Flat. 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 Tule River District Office (559) 539-2607, extension 212. For the latest information, call our (pre-recorded) prescribed burning information line at (559) 539-2607, extension 292.

Contacts: Denise Alonzo, (559) 539-2607