Tahoe National Forest Truckee and Sierraville firefighters are utilizing their specialized skills to run chainsaws and use hand tools to remove vegetation down to mineral soil to construct containment line. However, they are not engaged in wildfire suppression. Though resources remain available to respond to incidents, firefighters are contributing to important forest health and fuels management. Forest Service fire crews are constructing containment line around prescribed fire unit boundaries. Removing hazard trees, raking all material off the lines and performing checks of the burn unit conditions, weather and air quality are also all part of the extensive preparation and planning that is done before the implementation of fall/winter prescribed fire operations. The Tahoe National Forest with its fire crews will be implementing prescribed fire operations only as specific conditions outlined in a comprehensive burn plan permit in order to safely achieve the prescribed fire objectives and minimize smoke impacts.
Meredith Anello
