Controlled burns have started in the Lake Tahoe Basin. On the heels of so many wildfires, just how safe is this program?
Division Chief with the U.S. Forest Service Kyle Tolosano said during summer months, crews cut vegetation, make piles and then burn them in the wintertime. This is to reduce the fuels - like grass, dead brush and woody material.
"Anything that creates fuel when a fire starts," Tolosana said. "So the intent is to reduce the vegetation to eliminate large fires."
Lisa Herron, also with the U.S. Forest Service, said this is all done under the best of conditions.
"We look at the weather, the temperature, the humidity, the wind," Herron said. "All of those factors go into planning these burns."
They want you to know that yes, you will see smoke, but don't be alarmed. You can find a map of their burn locations by clicking here. To receive prescribed fire notifications, send an email to pa_ltbmu@fs.fed.us.