USFS resuming controlled burns in basin

The U.S. Forest Service is scheduled to begin prescribed fire operations this week in areas south and west of Lake Tahoe.

If conditions are favorable, operations may take place on urban lots near Heavenly Mountain Resort, around Big Meadow off Highway 89 (Luther Pass) and north of Meeks Bay, near Timberland in Tahoma. Operations will continue as conditions allow.

Each prescribed fire operation follows a prescribed fire burn plan, which considers temperature, humidity, wind, moisture of the vegetation, and conditions for the dispersal of smoke. This information is used to decide when and where to burn.

Smoke from prescribed fire operations is normal and may continue for several days after an ignition depending on the project size and environmental conditions.

Before prescribed fire operations are conducted, agencies post road signs around areas affected by prescribed fire, send email notifications and update the local fire information line at 530.543.2816.