On Sunday evening, June 22, CAL FIRE Mendocino Unit will ignite a prescribed burn on the face of Coyote Valley Dam, targeting roughly 23 acres of dry grass in a carefully coordinated operation aimed at wildfire prevention and dam safety. According to a press release from CAL FIRE MEU, the burn—scheduled to begin around 6 p.m. and wrap up by 11 p.m.—will support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ annual geological survey and mandatory earthquake inspection of the dam structure.
Working in partnership with the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority and the Army Corps, CAL FIRE says the reduction of vegetation not only improves access to the dam but also serves as a critical fuel break, reducing the potential for catastrophic wildfire in the area. Officials emphasized that this operation also offers firefighters a rare live-fire training opportunity, honing skills that could prove vital in the upcoming fire season.
The public should be aware that Coyote Dam and the fish hatchery at its base will be closed during the burn, and smoke may be visible across the Ukiah and Redwood Valley regions, CAL FIRE warned. The agency noted that the operation will only proceed under tightly controlled weather and fuel conditions to ensure safety.
The burn is part of broader statewide efforts aligned with the California Fire Plan and the California Wildfire and Forest Resilience Action Plan. CAL FIRE said it represents another step toward meeting ambitious fuels reduction targets. Residents interested in following progress statewide can visit the agency’s online fuels reduction dashboard.
Aircraft activity may also be visible in the area during the operation, CAL FIRE added.
Great…more smokey, unhealthy air, just in time for outdoor activities. Why don’t you burn when it’s a little cooler instead of waiting for everyone to come outdoors.
Agree. And it looks like a hellscape.
I have a question. Why would they want to do a controlled burn on the damn at that time if the day? I’ve been going to the lake for 45 years and it’s always been my experience that that is the windiest time of the day on that damn. Y not early morning? Temperature is low and from my own personal experience it is usually very calm. Idk just a thought!
Why don’t we have an army of firefighters here in our own country instead of starting fights all over the world
That would make too much sense and provide young people with too much pride
These burns are for posterity.