BarM Prescribed Burn to Occur Thursday
WHAT: State-approved Vegetation Management Program burn of approximately 200 acres of sage scrub
and Oak Woodland with grass understory.
WHEN: December 2, depending on conditions. Burning operations may occur on additional days if
needed and as conditions allow. Another day-before media advisory will be issued if another day of
burning occurs.
WHERE: BarM Ranch (also known as Barham Ranch), 4 miles southeast of Los Alamos.
WHY: This burn will reduce old growth fuel loads, with a range improvement component. Prescribed, or
planned, fires typically burn less intensely than wildfires. Prescribed burns can help prevent the spread
of wildfires and can reduce impacts to watersheds that can result in soil loss and sedimentation. The
burn will be conducted when the meteorological conditions are highly favorable to direct smoke away
from population centers.
WHO: This prescribed burn is planned and coordinated by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department
with Santa Barbara County APCD, San Luis Obispo County APCD, San Joaquin Valley APCD, Ventura
County APCD, and the California Air Resources Board in order to minimize impacts on air quality on
surrounding communities.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS: If you smell smoke, take precautions and use common sense to reduce any
harmful health effects by limiting outdoor activities. When you can smell smoke or when it is visible in
your area, avoid strenuous outdoor activity and remain indoors as much as possible. These precautions
are especially important to children, older adults, and those with heart and lung conditions. If you are
sensitive to smoke, consider temporarily relocating and closing all doors and windows on the day of the
burn. Symptoms of smoke exposure can include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty
breathing, chest tightness or pain, nausea, and unusual fatigue or lightheadedness. Use caution when
driving near prescribed burns.
A portable air monitor will be set up nearby to monitor air quality conditions.
This burn depends on weather and air quality conditions that are favorable for smoke dispersal. If the
conditions are not as desired, the burn will be rescheduled.
To view a statewide prescribed burn map and other features, visit the Prescribed Fire Information
Reporting System (PFIRS) website: https://ssl.arb.ca.gov/pfirs/firm/firm.php
