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By Elise Cox on

CAL FIRE Increases Precautionary Measures Around Prescribed Burns in Wake of the Putah Fire

Extra resources are standing by along Highway 101 to ensure prescribed burns don't escape their containment area

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CAL FIRE Increases Precautionary Measures Around Prescribed Burns in Wake of the Putah Fire
Firefighters working with hoses and hand tools on either side of the low-intensity fire along Highway 101 in Mendocino County. on Monday. (Photo by Sherri Wise, courtesy of CAL FIRE)

If there is one lesson CAL FIRE learned from the Putah Fire, which burned 860 acres east of Napa Valley earlier this month, it is not to skimp on resources.

The Putah Fire broke out along Highway 128 on Monday, June 8, in the same area where firefighters had scheduled a 45-acre prescribed burn. A three- to four-acre wildfire uphill from the firefighting team was reported by the incident commander. It was later determined that the fire had escaped the prescribed burn, according to CAL FIRE.

Less than three weeks later, on June 25, wind caused a prescribed burn along Highway 101 in Mendocino County to briefly spread beyond the containment area.

According to CAL FIRE spokeswoman Sherri Wise, the Arrow Fire started between 8:15 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. One firefighter suffered minor injuries almost immediately and was taken to the hospital, where they were treated and released. Meanwhile, the fire was contained within 40 minutes. Firefighters limited the spread to just 1.7 acres.

“We have gone above and beyond, bringing in extra resources,” Wise said. “We don’t want to lose the public’s trust. These projects are so important.”

The prescribed burn along Highway 101 began June 22 and is continuing at various locations from the top of Ridgewood Grade to south of Ukiah at Nelson Ranch Road. The goal is to prevent fires from starting along the road. The total target area is 400 acres.