U.S. Forest Service fuels management crews plan to conduct prescribed fire operations on Lake Tahoe’s West Shore in the Ward Canyon, Blackwood Canyon and McKinney Creek areas beginning Oct. 21 and continuing through early next week.

This and other prescribed fire projects are designed to reduce wildfire risks to communities and critical resources.

The size of the project could total 300 acres if weather and fuels conditions permit. Because of the project size, Lake Tahoe residents and visitors can expect to see a significant amount of smoke rising from the project area.

Forest Service prescribed fire managers expect good dispersion of smoke based on predicted weather. Smoke management is part of every prescribed fire burn plan, and efforts will be taken to reduce actual or potential smoke impacts on community areas.