Crews Take On Wildfire Risk With Planned Burns In Novato

NOVATO, CA — Prescribed pile burns are scheduled on five days through Nov. 20 in a Novato neighborhood as crews work to reduce wildfire risks, the Novato Fire District said.

Burning is planned from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Nov. 13, 17, 19 and 20 in the Country Club neighborhood, behind Capilano Drive and Wentworth Lane.

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Smoke may be visible or noticeable in nearby areas. Officials asked residents not to call 911 to report smoke from the planned burns.

The work is part of the Greater Novato Shaded Fuel Break, a coordinated project involving Marin County Parks Open Space, the Marin County Fire Foundry Crew and the Novato Fire District's Vegetation Management Program.

Crews remove dead shrubs and woody debris during the summer and fall, allowing the material to dry before burning it in late fall and early winter. The treatment helps reduce hazardous vegetation in areas with difficult access and steep terrain.

The Marin County Fire Department's Fire Foundry crew will monitor the piles each day. Operations are dependent on weather and site conditions.

Residents can sign up for prescribed burn alerts through AlertMarin and find more information about the fire district's vegetation management program.