South Lake Tahoe, CA…U.S. Forest Service fuels management crews will begin prescribed fire operations in two locations on Lake Tahoe’s south shore beginning Wednesday, March 6, 2013. Operations will take place near the intersection of Pioneer Trail and Al Tahoe Blvd. Crews expect to burn approximately nine acres, weather permitting. In addition, operations will begin in the Angora Fire area near Pyramid Circle. Crews expect to burn approximately 10 to 15 acres, weather permitting. Operations in both locations will continue through the week as conditions allow.

Residents and visitors can expect to see smoke from these prescribed fire project areas. The Forest Service strives to minimize the impacts of smoke on local communities. Smoke-sensitive residents should consider staying indoors and keeping doors, windows and outside vents closed. To directly receive prescribed fire updates, send an email to pa_ltbmu@fs.fed.us.

Forest Service staff will post road signs around areas affected by prescribed fire, and update the local fire information line at (530) 543-2600, #6. Other federal, state and local fire management agencies may also be conducting prescribed fire work during this period.

For more information, visit our website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/ltbmu. To learn more about the efforts to reduce catastrophic wildfire risks in the Tahoe Basin read the Lake Tahoe Basin Multi-jurisdictional Fuel Reduction Plan found at http://fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fsm9_045864.pdf.

Take a few moments to visit an excellent web site and learn about Prescribed Fire vs. Wildfire at: http://www.smokeybear.com/prescribed-fires.asp.