Report signals good news in reducing fire risk on the mountain

According to the “Wildfire Wednesday” reports issued by Naomi Gordon, the external and legislative affairs officer for the San Bernardino National Forest, the recent favorable weather has allowed firefighters opportunities to reduce wildfire risk by burning brush piles throughout the San Bernardino National Forest.

Pile burning is an important tool for reducing wildfire risk and improving forest health. When crews thin trees and remove excess vegetation, the leftover branches and brush are stacked into piles. Burning these piles in safe conditions helps:

• Reduce hazardous fuels that could feed future wildfires
• Recycle nutrients back into the soil
• Create defensible space around communities and infrastructure

Before lighting a pile, they carefully monitor weather and fuel conditions. Key factors include:

• Temperature:Cooler days help control fire intensity
• Humidity:Higher humidity reduces the chance of fire spread
• Wind speed and direction:Calm winds keep smoke and flames contained
• Ventilation:Good air movement disperses smoke safely

These conditions ensure burns are conducted safely and effectively.

Recent burn areas have included Pine Cove in the Idyllwild area, north Arrowhead in the Lake Arrowhead area, Mill Creek and Lytle Creek.

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/SanBernardinoNF.