November 1, 2026 - The High Sierra Ranger District on the Sierra National Forest, is planning to implement prescribed fire operations this week, pending required approvals. Ignitions are tentatively planned to begin Saturday, October 31st. Fire management staff estimate these specific projects to continue through early November of 2026 or as weather allows. Fire managers intend to continue prescribed fire operations through winter 2026 and winter-spring 2027, as conditions allow. The Forest Service uses prescribed fire to help reduce overgrown vegetation, help protect local communities, infrastructure, and natural resources from wildfires, and prepare for reforestation.

Prescribed fire operations are planned for the following sites on the High Sierra Ranger District:

• Pile Burning – Mushroom Timber Sale Huntington Lake Area
  • Near Forest Service Road 8S304 and 8S32C
    
    
• • Near McKinley Grove Road and the McKinley Grove Botanical Area

    Pile Burning – McKinley Grove Area – Gigantea IRSC

Fire management officials work with the California Air Resources Board and San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) smoke specialists to plan prescribed burns. Prescribed burns are conducted when weather is most likely to move smoke up and away from our communities. While prescribed fire managers take significant preventive measures, it’s likely that communities may experience some smoke during or immediately after a prescribed burn. 

What does this mean for you?

• During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours.
• All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts.
• If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner.
• If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible.
• When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on their headlights, and set their air-conditioning to recirculate.
• If you have heart disease, or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel. If symptoms worsen, consider contacting your health care professional.
• For information on smoke impacts and how to reduce exposure, please visit www.airnow.gov or www.valleyair.org.

Residents and visitors to Prather, Tollhouse, Auberry, Huntington Lake, Big Creek, China Peak, Shaver Lake, and other mountain communities may see smoke and flames from the project areas.  Residents and visitors are encouraged not to report planned projects through the 911 system.  

Smoke from the ignitions may be visible from CA Highway 168, Dinkey Creek Road, Burrough Valley Road, Trimmer Springs Road, the Valley Floor, the ALERTCalifornia.org camera network, and other vantage points. Visitors are encouraged to use caution and watch for fire crews and equipment when traveling near and through prescribed burn areas.  

For more information on these prescribed fire projects and activities, please contact the High Sierra Ranger District Office at 559-855-5355.

Source: Sierra National Forest