If You See Smoke: Healdsburg Fire Crews Conduct Planned Hillside Burn Today

HEALDSBURG, CA — Healdsburg firefighters will ignite a planned prescribed burn today to to reduce wildfire danger and increase protection for nearby homes.

The Healdsburg Fire Department, with support from CAL FIRE, began the prescribed burn at 8:30 a.m. in the foothills northeast of March Avenue.

Fire crews will treat about 20 acres of vegetation above the Villa Commons neighborhood by burning dry grass and brush.

The burn is designed to reduce wildfire fuel, strengthen the vegetation buffer surrounding homes, and improve defensible space before peak fire season.

Fire engines and personnel will remain at the site throughout the operation to monitor conditions and keep the burn under control.

Residents should expect to see smoke throughout the day. Smoke may also settle into lower-lying areas during the evening as temperatures cool.

Health officials recommend that people who are sensitive to smoke keep windows and doors closed and limit outdoor activity while smoke is present.

Because the smoke is part of a planned operation, residents should not call 911 to report it.

The burn depends on favorable weather conditions.