Controlled burn near Henry Cowell State Park

Cal Fire and The California Department of Parks and Recreation are conducting a controlled burn Wednesday, May 31.

The prescribed burn will ignite 9 acres near the observation platform at Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

Fire officials said the project is being conducted in accordance with a Smoke Management Permit to minimize the smoke impacts on surrounding communities.

The burn is being done from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to reduce the threat of a wildfire. The same type of burn was done this time last year.

These types of burns also are training opportunities to wildland firefighters for the upcoming season, said local fire officials.

Drivers on Graham Hill Road and nearby residents should expect to see smoke.

The Henry Cowell area has been the scene of a number of human caused fires over the past 5 years.
Cal Fire recommends the public take extra caution when working with fire and to be alert and report any fires that they see out of control.

So far this May, The San Mateo-Santa Cruz Unit has responded to 7 wildland fires.