More smoke than normal with Friday's prescribed burn activity in South Lake Tahoe

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - Forest Service firefighters will be burning piles and heavy fuels (large diameter vegetation that includes snags, logs, and large limb wood, which when ignited are consumed more slowly than light fuels) beginning today, Oct. 27, 2023, near the intersection of Fallen Leaf and Tahoe Mountain roads near South Lake Tahoe.

USFS anticipates there will be more smoke than usual this morning and throughout the day as winds are expected to remain calm. Recent moisture and cold temperatures have given firefighters the opportunity to burn this unit contains heavy fuels and is located in a shaded, north-facing area.

Smoke will also be seen from North Shore prescribed fires.

Before ignition, crews will surround the unit with hand line (fire line constructed with hand tools) and hose lay (connected lengths of fire hose and accessories on the ground to allow water delivery).

Firefighters expect the fire to remain on the ground as it moves through the unit and flames may be visible overnight in active piles. Crews will conduct minimum to moderate mop-up (extinguishing or removing burning material near control lines, felling snags to keep the fire safe and to reduce residual smoke) as needed.