Prescribed Burn Underway At Fort Ross Historic State Park

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — As the focus statewide remains on fire prevention, a three-day prescribed burn was scheduled to begin Wednesday morning at Fort Ross State Historic Park in northern Sonoma County.

People traveling in the area may see smoke from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Friday, although prescribed burns produce significantly less smoke than a wildfire, according to a news release from California State Parks and Cal Fire Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit.

The two agencies are cooperating in the prescribed burn which is expected to take one to three days, followed by several days of patrolling the burn area.

The Timber Cove and North Sonoma Coast fire protection districts are assisting in the blaze.

"Please use extreme caution while driving near prescribed fire operations due to fire personnel and equipment in the area," Cal Fire and State Parks officials said.

The reef campground and day-use area at Fort Ross were slated to be closed during the project for safety reasons.

Accommodations have been made surrounding the coronavirus to limit exposure between responders and field staff, the agencies said.

"These burns are part of the prescribed fire program for vegetation management," officials said. "Prescribed fires reduce dangerous fuel accumulation, enhance ecosystem resiliency, and encourage biodiversity. In addition to the ecological benefits, prescribed fires provide important training opportunities for fire service personnel."

Any changes in weather or other conditions could alter the planned schedule, fire officials said. As of Tuesday night, the prescribed burn was still planned to begin at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

"If you see or smell smoke in your surroundings, officials recommend avoiding strenuous outdoor activity and remain indoors as much as possible. These precautions are especially important for children and the elderly and people with respiratory and heart conditions."

Bay City News Service contributed to this report.