MARIPOSA–The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (CAL FIRE) Madera-Mariposa-Merced Unit will be conducting a prescribed burn on May 14 – 17, 2024.
The vegetation management burn will take place on the Grupe Ranch located on Oak Grove Road. The prescribed fire will consist of burning 112 acres of annual grass, oak woodland, and sparse brush.
The vegetation management fire will improve rangelands by promoting annual grasses, reduce fuel loading, and ladder fuels.
About Ladder Fuels
Fuel that carries a fire in low-growing brush or vegetation up to taller vegetation (usually trees) is called ladder fuel. This can happen when the wind blows the flames higher into the treetops and burn even more quickly.
The term “ladder fuel” comes from the image of a fire climbing a ladder made of wood or other material. The “ladder” allows the fire to climb up and onto the next level. It may be possible for a small grass fire to burn itself out without spreading to other areas. However, if there are trees nearby, they can act as ladders. This can carry fire from ground level all the way up into the canopy. Once in the canopy, it burns much faster than it would on the ground.
CAL FIRE Prescribed Fire Guidebook (PDF)
Check out this video of a successful rangelands prescribed burn.
