10/22/2026
See notice about upcoming prescribed burns in our area. If you see smoke, check local advisories. Keep safe from smoky conditions by checking the AQI using weather apps on your phone or the Fire & Smoke Map. While we do not expect major smoke impacts from these burns, we encourage those with health conditions impacted by smoke to keep safe by staying indoors, monitoring the air quality, and making a plan with your healthcare provider. Check out the Fire & Smoke map at: https://fire.airnow.gov/
Stanislaus National Forest to Begin Pile Burning Across the Forest
SONORA, California, (Oct. 9, 2026) – As summer weather turns to fall and winter, firefighters on the Stanislaus National Forest will begin pile burning operations across the forest.
Beginning as soon as this week, based on weather, crews will begin pile burning on the Calaveras, Sugar Pine and Groveland Ranger Districts.
Staff will be prioritizing piles adjacent to communities and infrastructure along the Highway 4, 108 and 120 corridors and areas within the forest that receive high recreation usage, starting at the highest elevations first due to potential travel restrictions from snow accumulation.
What does this mean for you?
During prescribed burns, smoke may settle in low-lying areas overnight and in the early morning hours.
To learn more about wildfire smoke, please visit the Stanislaus National Forest’s Smoke Ready Page
All residents are encouraged to close doors and windows at night to avoid smoke impacts.
If available, use a portable air cleaner. Air cleaners work best running with doors and windows closed. You can also create a DIY air cleaner.
If you have a central air system, use it to filter air. Use high-efficiency filters if possible.
When driving in smoky areas, drivers should slow down, turn on headlights and turn air to recirculating.
If you have heart or lung disease, asthma, or other chronic conditions, pay attention to how you feel and if symptoms of heart or lung disease worsen, consider contacting your health care professional.
Visit When Smoke is in the Air for more smoke preparedness resources.
Weather conditions are evaluated regularly, up to hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.
For more information, contact Stanislaus National Forest Public Affairs Officer, Benjamin Cossel at [email protected].
Last updated October 19, 2026
