EUREKA, California, May 8, 2017 – With the transition to more spring-like weather, suitable prescribed fire conditions are expected to develop in late May through June that will allow for the safe and effective use of prescribed fire on the Six Rivers National Forest.
The goals of the forest’s prescribed fire program are to reduce the severity of potential future wildfires and provide added protection for communities in the wildland urban interface (WUI). In addition, prescribed fire helps to promote a diverse and more resilient forest and improve wildlife habitat for wildlife.
“Fire has been a natural part of this forest’s ecosystem for a very long time. Of course, we’ve always had wildfires ignited by lightning, but Native American tribes also used fire as a tool to maintain desired forest conditions,” said James Courtright, deputy interagency fire chief for the forest and Redwood National Park. “In the past, these low-intensity fires kept the forest free from build-up of needles, thick brush, and dead and down trees. The result created a mosaic vegetation pattern that benefited forest health and wildlife distribution.”
Prior to any burning, the forest works with the National Weather Service and the North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District (Del Norte, Humboldt and Trinity counties) and the Northeast Air Alliance (Siskiyou County) to ensure compliance with state and federal burning regulations.
Smith River NRA-Gasquet District – 105 acres
Understory burns:
Pile burning:
Smoke may be visible from the town of Gasquet on Highway 199, South Fork Road, and French Hill Road, but should not affect travel on Highway 199.
Orleans/Ukonom Ranger District – 414 acres
Understory burns:
Burning could start as early as May 9, 2017. Smoke may be visible from Highway 96 and may be visible from various county roads.
Mad River Ranger District – 150 acres
Understory burning:
Pile burning:
Smoke may be visible from State Highway 36, and the communities of Mad River, Hettenshaw Valley, Kettenpom, Zenia, and Ruth, but will not affect any major travel routes.
No spring burning is anticipated for the Lower Trinity Ranger District.
For more information, contact Deputy Interagency Fire Chief James Courtright at (707) 441-3575 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
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