MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – On Wednesday, Nov. 1, and Thursday, Nov. 2, the Grindstone Ranger District of the Mendocino National Forest will begin the Oak Ridge under burn, a 176-acre prescribed fire operation to by removing excess ground fuels on National Forest System lands.

This work will take place in the Log Springs area west of Paskenta near the M-4 road.

The project start date is dependent upon several factors, such as favorable weather and site conditions.

Along with the management and reduction of hazardous fuels making future fire suppression efforts safer, the purpose of this project is to enhance wildlife habitat.

This will be done by removing conifer encroachment into hardwood stands, improving their health and vigor, and reducing the risk of successional wildfire.

The fire will create smoke that may be visible from areas near Paskenta, and along the M4 road.

Fire managers will work with the air quality management district to ensure compliance with air quality regulations and health and safety conditions.

For more information about this prescribed burn, please call the Grindstone Ranger District at 530-934-3316 or visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5654/.

To learn more about the use of prescribed fire to promote, protect, and conserve Northern California's fire adapted landscapes, please visit http://www.norcalrxfirecouncil.org/.