Single Incident Information

Each year the Cleveland National Forest conducts prescribed burns from January to May 2022, if weather and fuel moisture conditions permit. The objectives of the projects are to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfire to people and communities, create conditions which offer a safer and more effective wildfire response, foster more resilient ecosystems, and minimize the effects of large wildfires on the landscape. In fiscal year 2022, the Forest's target for fuels reduction is 3,500 acres. 2,000 acres of planned prescribed fire, and 1,500 acres of mechanical treatments which is a combination of mastication, cut and pile with chainsaws.

When implementing these projects, 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 present before the project begins. When the criteria are met, crews implement, monitor, and patrol each burn to ensure it meets the goals and objectives outlined by managers. The prescribed fire program will continue through the winter and spring months as permitted by weather and other environmental factors.

Trabuco Ranger District: Plans between 400 and 700 acres around the communities of Rancho Capistrano, Long Canyon, Silverado, El Cariso, Temescal and Corona. Heavy smoke may be visible from surrounding communities.

Palomar Ranger District: Plans between 500 and 600 acres in 2022, mainly in the areas of Fry Creek/ Palomar Mountain, on the Palomar Divide, Morgan Hill, and Indian Flats.

Descanso Ranger District: Plans between 300 and 700 acres. Piles will be burned within a fuel break around communities. Piles consist of cut and piled chaparral and coastal sage scrub. The piles will be burned in blocks as weather and conditions permit.  Prescribed pile burns on Mount Laguna will be conducted in several different areas, Wooded Hill, Thing Valley, Kitchen creek rd. The fuels consist of cut and piled chaparral in some units and timber litter in others. Proposed broadcast burns in the areas of Wooded Hill are also planned. The burns will assist in community protection as well as limiting the severity of a wildfire during the summer months. These burns are being conducted to promote forest health. The prescribed areas will be burned in blocks as weather and conditions permit. Some drifting smoke may be visible during the period of burning along Sunrise Highway, Buckman Springs Road, Interstate 8, and within the community of Lake Morena.

Residents in the area should call their local district office for more information on burn projects.