Smoke From Planned Burn May Be Visible Friday In San Mateo County

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — Smoke will be visible Friday in areas of San Mateo County due to a prescribed burn in the Sheep Camp area, according to Cal Fire. Fire crews plan to burn 61 acres of grass and coyote brush around the Gate Vista Rest Stop, repeating a burn completed in the area last year.

"Research shows that when coyote brush is burned successively, there is a better chance of not only knocking it back but also encouraging native grasses," said Sarah Collamer, the burn boss.

The fire area is in San Francisco Public Utilities' Peninsula Watershed, which spans 23,000 acres and hosts three reservoirs that more than a million people rely on for drinking water in San Francisco and northern parts of the Peninsula. The watershed is also home to a variety of native plants and animals.

According to Cal Fire, smoke will be light but may be visible at times from Interstate 280 and around Woodside, Belmont, Burlingame, Emerald Hills and San Carlos Hills. Residents can check on the smoke activity on camera via Alert California.

Friday's burn is part of Cal Fire's broader strategy to reduce fire fuels and improve natural resources across the state.