Learn about prescribed fires

A prescribed fire is a fire that we plan and intentionally set. We do this with careful planning to help lower the risk of damaging wildfires. You might see prescribed fires called different things, including: 

• Controlled burn
• Vegetation management burn
• Hazard reduction burn
• Planned burn 

If you are interested in conducting a prescribed burn,  send us an email.

We use prescribed fires to prevent and limit damage from wildfires. A prescribed fire can mimic natural processes that happen in California. Over time, the landscape is naturally cleared of dense and overgrown vegetation. By removing vegetation through a prescribed fire, we can better manage the land and improve wildlife habitat. 

Yes. We plan prescribed fires very carefully. We look at daily and seasonal weather patterns, fuel conditions, and other factors that affect fires. We have decades of experience in planning prescribed fires. We know that with planning, communication, and partnerships, we can safely execute prescribed fires.

While we do create smoke management plans, prescribed fires can still produce a lot of smoke. If there’s smoke in your neighborhood, you can: 

• Limit outdoor activities. Try to stay inside and avoid exercising outside.
• Keep smoke from coming into your house. Keep your doors and windows closed as much as possible. You could consider using an air purifier. 
• If you need to go outside, wear a mask. Wear an N95 mask. A scarf or bandana won’t provide enough protection from smoke.