MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Grindstone ranger district fire managers are preparing to begin the Little Stony prescribed fire approximately 50 miles southwest of Willows.

Depending on weather and environmental conditions, crews may ignite up to 200 acres early this week.

Within the planned project unit, approximately 55 acres are private land and 145 acres are on the Mendocino National Forest.

Developing the Little Stony prescribed fire project has been a long collaborative effort between Colusa County Resource Conservation District, Little Stony Inholder Alliance, CALFIRE, Firestorm and the Mendocino National Forest.

This project crosses jurisdictional boundaries and will be managed under a unified command structure involving the Mendocino National Forest, Cal Fire and Firestorm.

The entire project covers 2,975 acres on the Mendocino National Forest, 403 acres of private land and could take several years to complete.

The general forecast shows light southwest winds which will carry smoke up and to the northeast. Smoke may be visible from I-5 and surrounding areas. Caution signs are posted near the project area alerting forest users to prescribed fire operations and potential smoke.

The objectives of this project include reducing hazardous fuels and improving the protection of wildlife habitat, timbered lands and private lands.

Prescribed fires are conducted within a “prescription” that is determined by appropriate fuel moisture, temperature, humidity, wind and ventilation.

The ignition of all prescribed fires 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.