Fall prescribed burning commences on Inyo National Forest
BISHOP, Calif., September 29, 2023 —Inyo National Forest firefighters with assisting agencies will resume prescribed burning as early as next week, depending on availability of staffing. Smoke will be visible and air quality may be impacted depending on weather conditions. Please do not report smoke coming from these areas:
- “Pit Unit” located 1 mile east of Mammoth Lakes, Sherwin Creek area
- 235 acres targeted
- Smoke will be visible south of Highway 203, north of Sherwin Creek Road, east of Sherwin Creek Campground, and west of 4S101C.
- “Smoke Unit” located at Smokey Bear Flat, 2 miles northeast of Mammoth Lakes
- 350 acres targeted
- Smoke will be visible south of Smokey Bear Flat, on the east side of Highway 395, north of Forest Road 3S126A and west of 3S38.
After ignitions are complete, smoke may continue to be visible up to a week while resources continue mopping up. Staff have been coordinating with the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District and National Weather Service meteorologists to ensure desired weather patterns and smoke dispersal throughout the project’s duration. Smoke does tend to settle in low-lying areas in the evenings to the mornings, so camping and recreating in this vicinity is not advised. To check air quality, visit airnow.gov.
“These prescribed fire projects are designed to mimic the natural fire return interval and restore natural fire intensities,” said Jeffrey Karl, Captain for Engine 322 and also the Burn Boss for the above projects.
“Reducing fuel loading will decrease future wildland fire intensity and severity, lowering the risk of negative impacts to ecosystems, cultural resources, and communities that can result from uncharacteristically severe wildfires.”
As different phases of the prescribed burns are met, information will be released via:
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/inyonf
- Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/inyo/
alerts-notices
Additional prescribed burn units may be targeted as weather patterns allow into the coming weeks and months. More information will be provided on those projects as it becomes available.
