Prescribed burns planned at The Forest of Nisene Marks Wednesday

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION) Prescribed burns are scheduled at The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park Wednesday, and smoke could be visible in several areas.

Cal Fire CZU said smoke may be visible around the Monterey Bay, but also in Santa Clara County.

Aptos Creek Fire Road will also be closed during the burns. They are scheduled between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The planned burns are part of a statewide fuel reduction project, and this is one of 35 high-priority projects. It is part of a plan to reduce wildfire threat and maintain the habitat that relies on fire.

Cal Fire is working with the Monterey Bay Air Quality Management District to reduce the impact of smoke, but Cal Fire said prescribed burns produce much less smoke than wildfires.

The agency warns that if anyone sees or smells smoke in their area, avoid strenuous outdoor activity and stay inside as much as possible, especially children, the elderly and people with respiratory and heart conditions.