Controlled burning starts Monday near Bridgeport

Staff Reports

A controlled burn on public land east of Rosaschi Ranch near Bridgeport will be conducted Monday through Wednesday by U.S. Forest Service crews, if the weather permits.

The planned burn will occur about 13 miles northeast of Bridgeport along the East Walker River.

Crews will be conducting a burn in the irrigated meadow and adjacent willows along the north side of the river.

While the burn is planned to begin next week, it will be postponed if weather, fuel or smoke dispersal conditions are not within prescribed limits.

"This important work will help reduce the risk of a wildfire from spreading from the ranch onto the National Forest, as well as help retain the meadow vegetation and assist with our noxious weed control program," said Cheryl Probert, Bridgeport District Ranger.

"While the weather has been dry, we are planning on continuing with this burn within the limits of our prescribed fire plan," Probert said.

Much of this burn will be on or adjacent to an irrigated pasture which has allowed for moisture levels to remain within limits for a prescribed burn.

"The area that we will burn is relatively flat, easily accessible and we are seeing good evening recovery of humidity and temperatures," said Bridgeport Fire Management Officer Bill Bryant.

"While we have seen some fire starts along the Sierra Front, this area is unique in that the pasture is irrigated and we can choose the time and place of ignition," Bryant said.

Questions concerning the Bridgeport Ranger District's upcoming burn or fuels management program should be directed to Bryant, Fire Management Officer, at (760) 932-7070.