LPFD To Conduct Training Burn At Sycamore Grove Park

Press release from the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department:

LIVERMORE, CA — The Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department (LPFD) announced today that live fire training burns will take place October 24 and November 3 at Sycamore Grove Park in Livermore. Participants will include personnel from the LPFD, CAL FIRE, and Alameda County.

Live fire training provides invaluable opportunities for agencies to work together coordinating
resources and expanding knowledge for safer and more effective firefighting operations. This
training will cover topics including fire behavior, fighting fire with fire, holding operations, and mobile attack.

This fall’s live fire training is planned to burn approximately 25 acres of grassland in Lower
Sycamore Grove Park. Sycamore Grove Park will be closed during the burns for public safety.
Ignition is scheduled to occur between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. each day and smoke may be visible in the Livermore area.

Fire is a natural phenomenon in California and has many ecological benefits. The LPFD works
closely with the Livermore Area Recreation Park District (LARPD) to perform vegetation management at Sycamore Grove Park utilizing fire. The scheduled training will support LARPD programs for vegetation management, hazardous fuel load reduction, and wildlife habitat improvement by removing noxious weeds and fuel buildup. These programs enhance the health of the park by promoting growth of native grasses and flowers and reducing the severity of future wildfires.

Live burns produce significantly less smoke than wildfires and are planned in coordination with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to minimize smoke impact to surrounding communities.

Weather and air quality will be continually monitored to ensure favorable conditions for smoke dispersal throughout planned operations. If conditions are not conducive for safe burning operations or air quality, the training will be rescheduled.

This press release was produced by the Livermore-Pleasanton Fire Department. The views expressed are the author's own.