Smoke Alert For Next Week

Sonora, CA — Residents in nearby communities and motorists traveling Highway 108 may see smoke as Stanislaus National Forest officials plan to spark fires the Mi-Wok Ranger District next week.

The plan is to ignite anywhere up to three 50-acre units within a 186-acre area of South Fork Road (Forest Road 2N63). The South Fork Prescribed Fire project is set to begin Monday, Feb. 22. Forest spokesperson Rebecca Garcia explains, “The type of burn is called a ‘Jackpot’ under burn. So, there are large units of slash and woods…fuels that need to be ignited in order to reduce risks to communities and also to get those excess fuels off the forest.”

There will be traffic controls in place along South Fork Road during the ignitions. Garcia warns drivers of possible hillside debris slides along the roadway. Additionally, residual smoke may linger for up to two weeks in the area.  The burn will only take place weather and air quality control permitting, according to Garcia.