The prescribed fire operations on Case Mountain being conducted by the BLM’s  Bakersfield Field Office have been completed. These operations were part of an ongoing effort to burn about 1,000 piles of downed hazard trees, branches, and understory brush at Case Mountain Extensive Recreation Management Area to prevent wildfire risk. Click the link above for more details.

Many Three Rivers residents awoke this morning to what appeared to be unhealthy levels of smoke in addition to the pollution rising from the valley. Currently, the dense localized smoke-scented haze in the Case Mountain area is believed to be a left-over from the prescribed fire operations that were recently conducted by the BLM’s Bakersfield Field Office. Early next week the BLM plans to provide us with more information about what we can expect going forward.

Following a successful test burn this morning, ignitions have officially begun on the Ash Mountain Prescribed Burn. This follows an unsuccessful test burn yesterday. There are no planned road closures associated with the Ash Mountain Prescribed Burn, but short delays may occur. Visitors may see smoke, active fire, and firefighters. Please drive slowly and follow all firefighter instructions. Smoke impacts are expected to be brief, as the fine vegetation in the burn areas will be consumed quickly.

Firefighters plan to begin ignitions on the 2023 Ash Mountain Prescribed Burn in the foothills of Sequoia National Park on Wednesday, June 7. Three to five days of ignitions are planned. This project consists of 35 acres of broadcast prescribed burning and an additional 4 acres of non-fire fuels reduction (using weed whips, chainsaws, etc.). Visitors to the parks may see active fire, smoke, firefighters, and firefighting equipment along the roadways. Little smoke impact in Three Rivers is expected.