WILLOWS, Calif.; May 9, 2017– Fire managers are preparing to burn a 45-acre unit of the Howard Mill Prescribed Fire project about five miles north of Upper Lake on the Upper Lake Ranger District early next week. Crews are planning the potential burn day between Monday, May 15 and May 17, depending on weather and environmental conditions.

Smoke may be visible from Highway 20, Upper Lake and surrounding areas.  The unit is predominantly timber with pine litter understory and smoke should disperse quickly after ignitions are completed.

Prescribed fires are an essential part of the Mendocino National Forest’s fire management program. They are used to improve forest health, reduce hazardous fuels, restore nutrients and create future fire breaks. The burns are conducted within a “prescription” that is determined by appropriate fuel moisture, temperature, humidity, wind, and ventilation. The ignition of all prescribed fires is dependent on the availability of personnel and equipment, favorable weather, conditions that minimize smoke impacts as best as possible, and California Air Resources Board approval. 

For more information, please contact Hinda Darner, district fuels specialist, at 707-275-1446.