SONOMA COUNTY, Calif. — Fire Forward, in cooperation with the Cal Fire Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit, will be conducting a 17-acre prescribed burn on Wednesday, July 13, at the Mitsui Ranch.

The ranch is located at the top of Sonoma Mountain and is owned by the Sonoma Mountain Preserve Foundation.

Fire Forward, will be conducting this prescribed burn under a Cal Fire burn permit that was issued to control invasive species.

This burn is planned to be held between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Due to the location of the burn, smoke will be visible throughout most of Sonoma County.

Prescribed fires are carefully planned and must meet strict criteria for ecological benefit, weather parameters, smoke management, and fire safety guidelines.

Trained personnel will be monitoring weather conditions throughout the burn to ensure low-intensity fire is maintained and the fire remains within the parameters established within the burn permit.

Burning operations will not be initiated or cease if the temperature exceeds 95 degrees Fahrenheit, relative humidity falls below 20%, or winds are greater than 10 miles per hour.

Benefits of low-intensity burning in the natural environment include:

Cleansing of wildland debris. Excessive non-native grass thatch, dead and down branches, brush, and small trees are burned, converting fuels that are hazards in the summer into rich soil nutrients.

Controlling invasive species. Invasive species such as Medusahead can be effectively reduced through controlled burning, allowing native grass and forb species to recolonize their natural habitat. Native species are important food and habitat for a wide range of animals.

Ecosystem health. Low intensity fire helps eliminate and control diseased plants and trees.

New growth. Controlled burning encourages the healthy growth of new plants, especially those that are dependent on fire for renewal or seed dispersion.

Reduced opportunity for destructive fires. Controlled burns can decrease the size and frequency of large, uncontrolled destructive wildfires.

For more information about fire safety or controlled burning and its benefits, visit us at https://www.readyforwildfire.org/forest-health/prescribed-fires/.