Smoke On The Way

April 18, 2005

    If you notice an unusual amount of smoke emanating from the Casa Diablo area southeast of Mammoth, there is no need to freak out.
    With snowbanks still as high as houses in town, it's not exactly the fire season yet.
    Rather, the Inyo National Forest will be conducting prescribed fire operations "throughout the next couple of weeks as weather conditions permit."
    USFS spokesman Rick Napoles said in a news release today that smoke may be visible at times from U.S. Highway 395 and Rte. 203. He said residents of several towns also will notice the smoke. These communities include Crowley Lake, Toms Place, Sunnyslopes, Swall Meadows, Paradise and Bishop.
    In its news release, the Forest Service said that the purpose of the burning is to reduce hazardous fuels and to restore "fire-adapted ecosystem conditions within the Casa Diablo area."
    The federal agency said the project is part of a multi-year prescribed fire plan for Casa Diablo and that  approximately 1,200 acres would be involved.
     If you're still freaked out, or if the things seems to be getting a little too smoky over there, the USFS suggested contacting Rick Napoles at 873-2567 or Kenny Gaynor at 873-2541.   
    As for questions regarding air quality issues, the USFS suggested calling the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District, at 872-8211.