NEWS RELEASE
CAL FIRE/RIVERSIDE COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENT
John R. Hawkins, Fire Chief
(951) 940-6900
www.rvcfire.org
Contact: Battalion Chief
Dan Johnson
(951) 659-3337
Release Date: June 21, 2009
Prescribed Fire Planned For Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and the Riverside County Fire Department, in cooperation with the California Department of Fish and Game (DF&G), and The Nature Conservancy (TNC), have scheduled a prescribed fire beginning June 23rd, 2009 on the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve. The Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve is located near the intersection of Clinton Keith Road and Tenaja Road, just west of Murrieta. Prescribed fire operations will start after 7:30 A.M. and will conclude by 6:00 P.M. . In addition, CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department will be conducting patrols of the burned areas.
A total of 250 acres of grasslands are planned for the prescribed burn. The goal of this prescribed burn is to reduce hazardous wildfire fuels and to improve the wildlife habitat on the Reserve. Prescribed fire operations will be conducted only during favorable weather conditions and with approval from the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department will be conducting the prescribed fire with the following resources: Fire Engines, Fire Crews, one Helicopter, and overhead personnel. DF&G/TNC will be providing technical assistance and logistical support with their staff. This is a cooperative effort and is part of the CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department’s Pre-Fire Management Program. Prescribed fire is utilized annually on the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Preserve and has been very effective at managing wildfire fuels in this area.
If you have questions or would like additional information on this prescribed fire please contact the Santa Rosa Plateau Ecological Reserve Manager Carole Bell @ 951-677-6951 or CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department Battalion Chief Dan Johnson @ 951-659-3337.
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