Single Publication

June 26, 2023 – The San Jacinto District will proceed today with the prescribed burn on Thomas Mountain. The primary objective remains consistent, focusing on working both the north and south side of the prescribed burn as well as the interior, to consuming the accumulated downed and dead fuels.

Residents and visitors have likely observed increased smoke in the area over the past few days as the prescribed fire moves down the mountain toward the containment line. This movement indicates that the fire is progressing as planned, and the prescribed burn is effectively reducing the vegetation and fuels within the predetermined boundaries.

If you are traveling on California Highway 74 you may experience brief closures due to aerial operations. These closures are to protect both the firefighters involved in the operations and the public using the highway.

During these operations certain areas will be temporarily closed to the public: Forest Road 6S13, Tool Box Springs Yellow Post Sites, Thomas Mountain Yellow Post Sites, and the Ramona Trail. These closures are implemented for the safety of both the public and firefighters involved in the operations.

Prescribed fire plays an important role in forest health and in reducing extreme wildfires and their negative impact. These fires also help reduce heavy fuel loads while simultaneously opening the conifer forest structure and maintaining the health of meadow habitats. Fire is also used to enhance native plant communities and cultural landscapes and improve wildlife habitats. Another goal is to provide defensible space for communities and developed areas within and surrounding the BDF. With all fire comes smoke, and the U.S. Forest Service works to mitigate smoke impacts from prescribed fires on the communities in the area.

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