Forest Service to burn near Rosaschi Ranch

U.S. Forest Service crews will conduct a prescribed burn on public land east of Rosaschi Ranch near Bridgeport, California, March 22-26, 2010.

"This important work will help reduce the risk of a wildfire from spreading from the ranch on to the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest," said Bridgeport District Ranger Grace Newell.   

The planned prescribed burn will occur approximately 15 miles northeast of Bridgeport, California, along the East Walker River.  The crews will conduct a burn in the irrigated meadow and adjacent willows along the north side of the river.  This scheduled burn may be postponed if weather, fuel, or smoke dispersal conditions are not within the planned burn's limits.  

Most of this burn will occur on, or directly adjacent to, an irrigated pasture, which has allowed moisture levels in the fuels to remain within set limits for a prescribed burn.  "The area to be burned is relatively flat and easily accessible to crews and engines," said Dave Easton, Assistant Bridgeport Fire Management Officer.  The upcoming burn will be completed within the standards set by the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District and an approved Forest Service prescribed fire burn plan.  

Travel on Forest Service road 028, near the bridge, may be restricted on the morning of March 22 and 23 to provide for the necessary public and firefighter safety.  Visitors on or near road 028 during this week may observe an increase in the number of fire engines on the roads and highways; please slow down and drive carefully to accommodate the extra traffic.