120-Acre Prescribed Burn Planned At Tolay Lake Regional Park

PETALUMA, CA—A 120-acre prescribed burn is planned for Wednesday at Tolay Lake Regional Park near Petaluma.

Sonoma County Regional Parks is conducting the burn in partnership with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria and Cal Fire's Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit.

"Fire crews will burn approximately 120 acres starting as early as 9 a.m. and continuing throughout the day," Sonoma County Regional Parks said in a news release. "Smoke may be visible around the Lakeville area for up to seven hours. These are permitted controlled burns; do not call 911."

The park will be closed all of Wednesday for the burn. Signs will be posted about the closure, and the park is scheduled to reopen Thursday morning.

The burn will take place in grassland south of the park center.

Tolay Lake is co-managed by Regional Parks and the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. The two entities are conducting the burn to return cultural fire to the landscape, reduce the risks of future wildfires, promote biodiversity, and control invasive species.

The burn will comply with the requirements of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District.

Prescribed burns must meet strict criteria for ecological benefit, weather parameters, smoke management and fire safety guidelines. When all conditions are met, trained wildland firefighters conduct the burn while monitoring the set criteria, fire behavior and designated fire control lines.

The date for a planned burn may change at the last minute if parameters are not ideal.

RELATED:

• County, Federated Indians Of Graton Rancheria To Co-Manage Tolay Lake
• Cal Fire, Sonoma County Parks Partner For Prescribed Burns