U.S. Forest Service fuels management crews are scheduled to begin prescribed fire operations near Meyers, on the south side of the intersection of Pioneer Trail and U.S. Hwy 50, today October 5, 2011. The project area is approximately 60 acres. Prescribed fire operations will also continue in the Angora fire area, near Tahoe Mountain and Forest Mountain Roads. In addition, operations are scheduled to begin in the Bayview area near Emerald Bay, on approximately 50 acres. All of these operations may continue through the week, weather permitting.

Residents and visitors can expect to see smoke from these prescribed fire project areas and smoke may be visible on U.S. Highway 50 in Meyers, and Highway 89 near Emerald Bay, as well as near the Angora fire area.

This and other prescribed fire projects are designed to reduce wildfire risks to communities and critical resources.

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.