LPF: Prescribed burns - 2,300 acres

Los Padres National Forest prescribed burn perimeter map

UPDATE: Towering plumes of smoke seen throughout much of the North County Tuesday were from a prescribed burn in Los Padres National Forest.

The U.S. Forest Service torched some 2,300 acres along Pine Canyon Road near Horseshoe Spring Campground, east of Santa Maria, according to the Forest Service.

Officials said they plan to burn a total of 5,835 acres in the area in an effort to reduce hazardous fuels, prepare for future wildfires and protect the natural watershed.

The burn had been scheduled for the week of Jan. 12, but unfavorable weather conditions caused a postponement. With the possibility of rain forecast for today, there will be no burning scheduled.

It is unknown when the remaining acreage will be burned because it will depend on the wind, temperature, relative humidity and fuel-moisture levels, said Helen Tarbet, a Forest Service fire information officer.

The burn area is about 15 miles east of Santa Maria, south of Highway 166 and east of Tepusquet Road.

For current information on restricted roads during the prescribed burn, call the Santa Lucia Ranger Station at 925-9538.
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U.S. Forest Service News Releases: 2009

News Release US Forest Service Los Padres National Forest

Contact: Joe Pasinato (805) 961-5745 Jill Evans (805) 925-9538

Date: January 7, 2009 Prescribed Burn Scheduled in Los Padres National Forest The U.S. Forest Service will conduct a prescribed burn (weather permitting) on approximately 5,835 acres along Pine Canyon Road near Horseshoe Spring Campground, in Los Padres National Forest. The burn is scheduled to begin on Monday, January 12, and continue through the week. Smoke will be visible from the Santa Maria/Orcutt area. The project area is approximately 15 miles east of Santa Maria along Pine Canyon Road south of Highway 166 and east of Tepusquet Road. The purpose of the burn is to reduce hazardous fuels, lessen impacts of a future wildfire in the area, improve wildlife habitat and enhance and protect the Lower Cuyama River watershed. Travel on Pine Canyon, Miranda Pine and La Brea Canyon Roads may be restricted periodically during the burn. Residual smoke may be visible in the area for up to two weeks. Forest visitors are advised to call the Santa Lucia Ranger Station at (805)925-9538 to obtain current information during the burn. Source: LPF R-5 -Prescribed Burn Schedule Link