Conditions in the Santa Cruz Mountains have been ripe for pile burning recently. You may have noticed slight hints of smoke in the air as regional forest managers work quickly to burn woody material that has been carefully piled in fuel and forest health projects. Managers working across the region have been closely monitoring weather conditions to ensure that these burns have the least smoke-related impacts possible for nearby residents.

A recent pile burn in the Soquel area of the Santa Cruz Mountains

In general, piles are burned this time of year because conditions are safe for burning, but also because recent conditions facilitated suitable smoke dispersion. With a considerable acceleration of on-the-ground forest health projects occurring throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains, there are thousands of piles that have or will be burned this winter and spring. Pile burning is an effective and lower-cost method to reduce woody fuels.

In some areas, pile burning may be an option for residents seeking to reduce fuels on their property. Just make sure you have the right permits given the location and time of year, knowledge, safety equipment, and have used the appropriate pile construction methods. You can learn more about these requirements through the new UCANR Fire Network Factsheet. The local Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association also occasionally holds Pile Burn Trainings.