Body of News Release
MARIN COUNTY, CA — The Marin County Fire Department, in coordination with partner agencies, will conduct a prescribed burn on Big Rock Ridge from October 18 through October 22, weather and air quality conditions permitting. The operation will cover just over 200 acres and is part of an ongoing effort to reduce wildfire risk and improve ecosystem health.
Smoke will be visible throughout the area, including Novato, Lucas Valley, Marinwood, Terra Linda, Santa Venetia, and along Highway 101. Community members are asked to avoid calling 9-1-1 to report smoke from this planned operation.
Trained wildland firefighters, fire engines, and heavy equipment will be on site to ensure the fire stays within the planned area. After the burn, crews will patrol the site for several days to ensure safety and containment. We are entering the prescribed burn season, a critical period for managing vegetation and reducing wildfire risk. Fall and spring provide the most favorable conditions for conducting prescribed burns safely and effectively. By conducting burns during the optimal seasons, land managers can achieve ecological goals while prioritizing public safety.
Prescribed burns are only conducted when specific safety conditions are met, including temperature, wind, humidity, and fuel moisture. These conditions are monitored closely in the days leading up to the burn, and a final decision is made the morning of the operation after a test burn and approval from the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and local fire officials.
Prescribed fire is a critical tool for wildfire prevention. By reducing dense vegetation under controlled conditions, these burns help prevent high-intensity wildfires and create natural firebreaks. They also support healthy ecosystems, improve wildlife habitat, and reduce the risk of catastrophic smoke events from uncontrolled wildfires.
To learn more about the planning and safety measures behind these operations, visit the Vegetation Management FAQ curated by our One Tam partners.
To receive updates about prescribed burns in Marin, sign up for AlertMarin and select the “Prescribed Burns” notification group at Emergency.MarinCounty.gov.