MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Mendocino National Forest fire managers plan to conduct prescribed burns on the Grindstone Ranger District starting Wednesday, Nov. 9, and continuing through the week as conditions allow.

Crews anticipate burning approximately 240 acres on the Black Diamond conversion unit and 120 acres on the Diversion Dam unit. Both projects are in the general vicinity of Stonyford.

Smoke may be visible from Interstate 5, Highway 162, Stonyford, Elk Creek and surrounding areas.  These units are predominantly grass and smoke should disperse quickly after ignitions are completed. If traveling in this area, please use caution and watch for fire crews and equipment.

The ignition of all projects 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. 

The local air quality district manages the number of acres available to burn during allotted burn days based on the amount of projects proposed

Fire managers follow a burn plan that outlines the “prescription” or environmental conditions such as temperature, wind, fuel moisture, ventilation, and relative humidity that need to be met before the project begins.

Fire crews implement, monitor, and patrol each project to ensure it meets the goals and objectives outlined in the prescribed burn plans.