NORTH FORK, CA – Sierra National Forest (SNF) fire officials have commenced a seasonal prescribed burning program in the Bass Lake Ranger District (BLRD). This initiative aims to clear 1,500 acres of hazardous fuel to mitigate wildfire threats in the coming year. The program began this week with the first burn taking place at Texas Flat Group Campground, led by the Crane Valley Hotshot Crew and Westfall Engine 314.
Planned Prescribed Burning Areas
The prescribed fires will be conducted at the following sites:
- Bass Lake Recreation Sites
- Sugar Pine
- Incline
- Nelder Grove
- Greys Mountain
- Sonny Meadows
- Madera County Roads
- Thornberry Fuelbreak
- Oak Fire Suppression Repair
- Lower Beasore Road
- Dutch/Soda Road Hazard Project
- Benedict Meadow
- Texas Flat Meadow
Administrative operations for these burns will occur at various locations, including Batterson, Clearwater, Jerseydale, and North Fork. To ensure public safety, access to these areas may be limited for several days. SNF officials will post warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during the burns. Sierra News Online will provide updates as available to keep the community informed as the program progresses.
Air Quality and Safety Measures
The SNF works in coordination with the Mariposa County Air Pollution Control District and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to carefully time the burns according to favorable weather conditions and smoke dispersion patterns. Weather conditions will be closely monitored in the hours leading up to each burn. Should conditions be unsuitable, planned prescribed fire activities may be canceled or postponed.
Officials caution that these projects could lead to temporary reductions in air quality for communities including North Fork, Ponderosa Basin, Jerseydale, Oakhurst, Fish Camp, Sugar Pine, Cedar Valley, Bass Lake, and Ahwahnee. Residents are advised to download the AirNow app or visit the AirNow website to monitor local air quality. When encountering smoke while driving, please slow down and turn on your headlights for safety.
Contact Information
For more details on the planned prescribed burns, please reach out to the Bass Lake Ranger District Office at (559) 877-2218.
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has a legacy of over 100 years dedicated to conservation and community engagement. Grounded in world-class science and technology, the Forest Service fosters connections between people and nature while promoting lasting ecological and economic vitality. Managing 193 million acres of public land, the agency supports state and private landowners and oversees the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations globally. Additionally, the Forest Service plays a crucial role in the stewardship of approximately 900 million forested acres across the U.S., including over 130 million acres of urban forests where most Americans live.
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