Forest Service to Conduct Prescribed Burns Near Shasta Lake this Week

Fire crews will be lighting prescribed burns in the Shasta Lake area this week as part of ongoing wildfire prevention efforts in the North State.

The Shasta-Trinity National Forest began operations Monday, Feb. 23, with work potentially continuing through Thursday, Feb. 26, depending on weather conditions and final approvals.

Crews on the Shasta Lake Ranger District will focus on pile burning across roughly 65 acres near Interstate 5, including areas around Holiday Harbor, South Salt Creek and East Salt Creek. Officials say temporary public closures may be necessary in and around burn units for safety.

Prescribed fire is a key tool used to thin built-up vegetation, reduce fuel loads and better protect nearby communities, infrastructure and natural resources from future wildfires.

Smoke will likely be visible at times, and residents in surrounding areas could notice impacts to air quality. Forest officials encourage the public to check conditions at AirNow.gov or through the AirNow mobile app. Drivers who encounter smoke on roadways should slow down and turn on headlights.