Forest Service News Release
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Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument
Forest Service News Release
Public Affairs Officer: Alicia Embrey
alicia.embrey@usda.gov
www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia
Pile burning to continue near
Converse Basin and Hoist Ridge
Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument
DUNLAP CA., April 24, 2024 - Sequoia National Forest fire managers will continue pile-burning
projects today, Wednesday, April 24, at Converse Basin and Hoist Ridge within the Hume Lake Ranger
District in Giant Sequoia National Monument. Fire management crews will conduct burn operations now
that weather and smoke conditions are favorable. Burning will continue for as long as conditions allow.
Years of severe drought in California, bark beetle infestation, wildfires, and warmer temperatures have
led to historic levels of hazard trees. Over the past few summers, forest crews, contractors, and
cooperators have hand-piled small limbs, brush, and trees from felled hazard trees over hundreds of
acres. Scattered piles are between 3,500-8,000 feet elevation.
Once the burning is complete, piles may only partially be consumed by the prescribed fire. Typically,
remnants of piles are left to protect the soil from erosion and promote new vegetation growth. Some
piles will be intentionally unburned to benefit wildlife.
Smoke from the prescribed burning operations will be visible along roads and from nearby
communities. Forest personnel work closely with the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District to
manage smoke production and reduce the impact on communities. Visitors can learn more about air
quality and smoke by visiting the San Joaquin Valley APCD Home Page (valleyair.org). The public
should abide by all Federal, State, and local regulations, including Forest Closure Orders and any
prescribed burn-related signs.
Stay informed by following the Sequoia National Forest webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia,
Facebook @SequoiaNF, and Twitter (X) @sequoiaforest.
Types of prescribed fire
The three general types of prescribed fire are pile burning, understory/under burning, and
broadcast burning. They all help decrease the threat of high-intensity, high-severity wildfires;
reduce the risk of insect and disease outbreaks; recycle nutrients that increase soil
productivity; and improve wildlife habitat. Another benefit resulting from prescribed fire is a
reduction in wildfire danger to local communities.