Prescribed Fires Planned Over 250 Acres Of Coastal San Mateo County

HALF MOON BAY, CA — Smoke may be visible south of Half Moon Bay as prescribed fires get underway across 250 acres near San Gregorio and Pescadero.

According to Cal Fire, the fires will take place on private property near the coast, targeting coyote brush and grass to reduce fire dangers and bolster the natural habitat.

"We are looking to reduce vegetative fuels and encourage coastal prairie habitat," said Sarah Collamer, the San Mateo County Burn Boss. "A small portion of this burn is maintenance of a previously burned plot, but most of the area has not been burned at least in the last 50 years. These burns are strategically located on ridges north of the town of Pescadero and would help protect the town during a north wind event."

Weather permitting, the fires will burn Wednesday through Friday. According to Cal Fire, significant resources will be assigned to the fire scenes, including a bulldozer and helicopter, multiple fire engines, water tenders and hand crews.

The prescribed fires are part of Cal Fire's broader strategy to increase fire protection for communities and preserve natural resources.