CA-RRU - Prescribed Fire 6-4 - Stephens Kangaroo Rat Preserve

Release Date:	06/03/2009	Release Time:	8:58 AM
Contact:	Battalion Chief Dan Johnson (951) 712-5312	Subject:	Prescribed Fire Planned For March Stephens Kangaroo Rat Preserve
Full Text: The Riverside County Fire Department/Moreno Valley Fire Services in cooperation with March Air Reserve Base Fire Department, and the Center for Natural Lands Management (CNLM), has scheduled a prescribed fire on Thursday, June 4, 2009 at the March Stephens¿ Kangaroo Rat Preserve. The March Stephens Kangaroo Rat Preserve Area is located southwest of the intersection of Alessandro Boulevard and Interstate 215 and north of Van Buren Boulevard on the western portion of the former March Air Force Base. Prescribed fire operations will start after 8:00 a.m. and should conclude by 1:00 p.m. In addition, the Riverside County Fire Department/Moreno Valley Fire Services will be conducting patrols of the burned areas on Friday, June 5th, 2009. A total of 15 acres of grasslands are planned for the prescribed burn. The goal of this prescribed burn is to reduce hazardous wildfire fuels and to improve the wildlife habitat on the Preserve. Prescribed fire operations will be conducted only during appropriate weather conditions and with approval from the South Coast Air Quality Management District. The Riverside County Fire Department/Moreno Valley Fire Services will be conducting the prescribed fire with the following resources: Fire Engines, Fire Crews, and overhead personnel. CNLM will be providing technical assistance and logistical support with their staff. The prescribed fires in the past on the March Stephens¿ Kangaroo Rat Preserve have been very effective at managing wildfire fuels in this area. If you have questions or would like additional information on this prescribed fire, please contact the Center for Natural Lands Management Preserve Manager Kim Klementowski at 951-276-1688 or CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department Battalion Chief Dan Johnson at 951-712-5312.