Controlled burn starts Thursday in Mono County

U.S. Forest Service crews will conduct a prescribed burn on public land east of Rosaschi Ranch near Bridgeport, Calif., starting Thursday through March 13 weather and fuel conditions permitting.

"This important work will help reduce the risk of a wildfire from spreading from the ranch on to the National Forest, help retain the meadow vegetation, and assist with our noxious weed control program," said Bridgeport District Ranger Cheryl Probert.

The planned prescribed burn will occur approximately 15 miles northeast of Bridgeport, 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 prescribed limits.

Most of this burn will occur on, or directly adjacent to, an irrigated pasture, which has allowed moisture levels 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 Todd Baumer, 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.

Officials said travel on Forest Service road 028, near the bridge, may be restricted on the morning of Tuesday and Wednesday.  

Visitors on or near 028 road during this week may observe an increase in fire engines and officials are asking them to be cautious.

Questions concerning the Bridgeport Ranger District's upcoming burn or fuels management program should be directed to Annamaria Echeverria Fuels Management Specialist, at (760) 932-7070, or to Grace Newell, Fire Management Specialist, at 760-932-5802.