MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. — Mendocino National Forest fire managers are preparing for prescribed burning in various areas of the forest as conditions allow through the winter.

Next week, crews intend to burn piles at the Chico Seed Orchard on Cramer Lane in Chico.

The piles are composed predominantly of limbs and branches generated during thinning and trimming activities.

The recent moisture across the forest will help prevent fire from spreading into the surrounding vegetation. Smoke will be visible in various areas of the forest and outlying communities.

For firefighter and public safety, Mendocino National Forest officials remind the public to not enter or park near the project areas and to watch for firefighters and equipment in the described locations.  

Prescribed fires are conducted to help reduce the potential for future severe wildfires, increase firefighter safety, remove hazardous fuels, and protect communities and watersheds.

The ignition of all prescribed fires is dependent on the availability of personnel and equipment, favorable weather, conditions that minimize smoke impacts as best as possible, and California Air Resources Board approval.  

The local air quality district manages the number of acres available to burn during allotted burn days based on the amount of projects proposed.

For more information about the Forest, please call 530-934-3316, check the Web site www.fs.usda.gov/mendocino, Facebook www.facebook.com/MendocinoNF/ or Twitter @MendocinoNF.