Smoke Expected From Prescribed Burn In Marin County

MARIN COUNTY, CA — Residents may see or smell smoke from a planned prescribed burn on Mount Tamalpais beginning Monday as firefighters work to reduce wildfire fuel near Bon Tempe Reservoir.

The burn could cover up to 25 acres in the Lagunitas Meadow and Pine Point area of the Mount Tamalpais Watershed. Marin County Fire will manage the operation in coordination with Marin Water, which oversees the watershed lands.

Officials are asking residents not to call 911 to report smoke from the prescribed burn so emergency dispatchers remain available to respond to other emergencies.

"The date and size of the planned burn activity are tentative, as all burn operations are dependent on favorable weather, fuel conditions, and air quality to ensure safe execution and minimize smoke impacts on the surrounding communities," officials said.

The operation could continue for additional days if needed to complete the planned work.

Several trails will close during the burn, including the Alex Forman Trail through the interior of Pine Point, the Pumpkin Ridge Trail between Fish Grade and Redwood Turn, and the Pine Point Trail. Visitors are asked to follow posted closure signs.

Sky Oaks Road will remain open but could experience brief delays and temporary lane closures as fire engines patrol the burn perimeter.

The operation will follow Bay Area Air Quality Management District requirements. Firefighters will patrol the area and conduct mop-up work for at least several hours after the burn.

Prescribed burns are part of a broader effort to manage vegetation, reduce wildfire risk and support healthier forest and watershed ecosystems, officials said.

Officials may announce schedule changes through Marin County Fire and Marin Water social media channels. AlertMarin subscribers who opt in to prescribed-burn notices will also receive text notifications.

Residents can update their AlertMarin settings or sign up for emergency alerts at Emergency.MarinCounty.gov. More information about prescribed burns is available through the County of Marin Emergency Portal.