As part of the Carson Ranger District Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project, Forest Service fire crews will begin prescribed fire burning operations both north and south of Carson City today.
The burns are scheduled through May 21 near Pleasant Valley Road, Hot Springs Road, and Grover's Hot Spring State Park in the Markleeville area, and in Dog Valley, 10 miles west of Reno in Sierra County, Calif., weather and fuel conditions permitting.
Prescribed fire notices have been posted near the project area notifying of the prescribed burn this spring. People can expect to see smoke when the burns are occurring and may experience delays when traveling near the burning areas.
"Prescribed fire is an efficient way of removing woody debris, providing ecosystem benefits, and reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire and risk to firefighters in the event of a large scale fire," said Steve Howell, district fuels specialist. "Benefits of this burn will also improve forest health and wildlife habitat."
This project may have some short-term impacts on air quality levels, but air quality levels will comply with all state and federal air quality regulations, said Howell. Any burning activity will be accomplished during weather conditions that would minimize impacts of smoke on communities. All burning is done within parameters set forth in an approved burn plan and conform to the Great Basin Air Quality Management District standards.
About 34 acres of understory vegetation will be treated in the Markleeville area and 250 acres in the Sierra County area.
