Why prescribed fires are beneficial
Prescribed fires provide important benefits for communities and ecosystems. They help reduce the risk of wildfires, protect air quality, keep communities safe, improve ecosystem health, and help ecosystems better withstand fire, as outlined below.
How to prepare and stay safe
Although prescribed fires are carefully planned and closely managed, they still produce smoke that can affect people’s health. For this reason, individuals should prepare and take appropriate steps before, during, and after a burn in their community to reduce smoke exposure.
Before a prescribed fire
Communities are notified about the burn through local news, social media, government agency websites, local air districts, and posted signage. Nearby roads or trails may be temporarily closed, and residents may see fire personnel preparing equipment and holding pre‑burn briefings. Follow the steps below to prepare before a prescribed fire in your area.
In addition to the California Smoke Spotter App, available on the App Store and Google Play, you can also stay informed about prescribed burns by visiting the following website: US EPA & US Forest Service AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.
During the burn
Nearby residents may notice smoke, low to moderate flames, and firefighters monitoring the burn. Roads or trails may remain closed, and warning signs will stay in place. Smoke may be visible for several hours and people may smell it. Follow the recommendations below to stay safe and healthy during a prescribed fire.
Check the Air Quality Index in your area using the California Smoke Spotter App, available on the App Store and Google Play, or the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.
Sensitive groups—including children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with heart or lung conditions—may need additional precautions. It is recommended that people from these groups identify and use the closest Clean Air Center in their communities. Some libraries or community centers may also serve as temporary clean air spaces.
After a prescribed fire
Once the burn is over, the ground will be black and charred, and much of the underbrush, small shrubs, and dead vegetation will be gone. Residents may notice lingering smoke and ash for 24–48 hours. While the main fire is out, crews will remain on site to extinguish hot spots before they leave. The burned area will stay closed to the public until fire managers declare it safe. Follow the steps recommended below to stay safe and healthy after the burn.
Keep checking the Air Quality Index in your area using the California Smoke Spotter App, available on the App Store and Google Play, or the AirNow Fire and Smoke Map.
Sensitive individuals can stay healthy by remaining indoors and following the recommendations listed above.
