COARSEGOLD–The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), in cooperation with California Highway Patrol, CAL TRANS, Pacific Southwest Research Station/Fresno State University, private landowners, and San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District, aim to reduce large conflagrative fires and high suppression costs, to the citizens of California, by conducting a prescribed burn along the Highway 41 corridor.
Historically, this stretch of Highway 41 has proven to have more fires annually than anywhere else within the Madera, Mariposa, Merced Unit (MMU).
The prescribed burn encompasses the east side of Hwy 41 rom Hwy 145 (Mile M 9.32) to Road 200 (Mile Marker 1791) in O’Neals. This project will help reduce the fire threat to unincorporated communities around Coarsegold, O’Neals, and Hidden Lakes. These are isolated residential areas located along the Hwy 41 corridor.
Days and Times
The following days are scheduled if current weather conditions remain stable and resources are available due to fire activity:
June 5-Road 200 South/ Rocky Cut (M.M. 1791 – M.M. 14.035). Burning will take place between 6:30 pm and Midnight. Traffic may slow or stop within this section for a minimal amount of time. Smoke and fire activity on cut banks with narrow shoulders along the highway may affect the roadway.
June 6-22 Mile House/ Hwy 145 (M.M. 11.39 – M.M. 9.32). Burning will take place between 6:30 pm and Midnight. There should be little impact on Highway 41 throughout this section due to the large shoulder off Highway 41. This section encompasses from Highway 145 North to the end of the new four-lanes of Highway 41. There are no plans for slowing traffic or lane closures unless for an emergency.
Please watch for crews and use caution when driving. There will be smoldering heavier fuels throughout the night with crews monitoring the fire.
This is a control burn so please do not report if you are in the project area.
For more information visit fire.ca.gov.