News Release Archive

Lake Berryessa Wildlife Area Prescribed Burn Planned for Thursday, June 16

Media Contact: Shane Hunt, 916-978-5100, shunt@usbr.gov

For Release: June 14, 2016

NAPA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation, in cooperation with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CALFIRE), plans to conduct a prescribed fire near the northeastern portion of Lake Berryessa, within the Lake Berryessa Wildlife Area, on Thursday, June 16, 2016. CALFIRE expects to begin the prescribed fire at approximately 10 a.m. with mop-up completed the same day; however, the burn is dependent upon wind and weather conditions.

The purpose of the prescribed burn is to suppress the spread of invasive weeds, improve the quality of wildlife habitat and continue to reduce the accumulation of thatch and plant fuels. The project will encompass approximately 100 acres of open grasslands and oak savanna located just south of the junction of Berryessa Knoxville Road and East Side Road.

No road closures are planned for the prescribed fire operations. CALFIRE crew members will assist with traffic control on the East Side Road.

Reclamation and CALFIRE staff will monitor the smoke generated by the fire; however, smoky conditions may exist for the duration of the project and continue for several days. Smoke impacts to the East Side Road and adjacent properties may occur. During the burning periods, smoke may be visible in Napa, Solano and Yolo counties.

Residents near the project area are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed during burn periods. The American Lung Association recommends those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis, as well as those with chronic heart disease monitor their breathing and exposure to airborne matter and avoid inhalation of smoke, ashes and particulate matter.

For questions regarding the prescribed fire, please contact Natural Resource Specialist Jason Jordan at 707-966-2111, ext. 143 (TTY 800-877-8339) or jgjordan@usbr.gov.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.