MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Fire managers are preparing to conduct a 568-acre glade prescribed fire about five miles northwest of Elk Creek on the Grindstone Ranger District on Thursday, Oct. 20.

Crews are planning to ignite units that are part of the Grindstone Type Conversion project.

Smoke may be visible from Interstate 5, Highway 162, Stonyford, Elk Creek and surrounding areas.

The glade is predominantly grass and smoke should disperse quickly after ignitions are completed.

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.

A project map is posted on the forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd521875.pdf .