MENDOCINO NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Mendocino National Forest fire crews plan to conduct a prescribed fire on the Covelo Ranger District beginning April 29.

This broadcast burn is part of the Baseball wildlife habitat improvement and fuels reduction project initiated in 2017 in partnership with the Mendocino County Blacktail Association and the Mule Deer Foundation.

Crews intend to burn 140 acres, approximately 15 miles east of Covelo. Smoke may be visible around Mendocino Pass, Eel River and Atchison campgrounds.

Prescribed fires are an essential part of the Mendocino National Forest’s fire management program. The use of prescribed fire improves forest health, removes hazardous fuels, enhances wildlife habitat, and protects communities.

Specialists write burn plans for prescribed fires. Burn plans identify – or prescribe – the best conditions under which trees and other plants will burn to get the best results safely.

Burn plans consider temperature, humidity, wind, moisture of the vegetation, and conditions for the dispersal of smoke.

Fire crews compare conditions on the ground to those outlined in burn plans before deciding whether to burn on a given day. Prescribed fire implementation is dependent on California Air Resources Board approval.

For firefighter and public safety, Mendocino National Forest officials remind the public to not enter or park near the project area and to watch for firefighters and equipment in the described location.