News Release

For Release: March 11, 2008     
Contact: Michael Chiodini (831) 630-5029/ Jerry Martinez (831) 394-2821.            
CA-CC-08-40

Bureau of Land Management to Burn Piles at Fort Ord

 
The Hollister Field Office of the Bureau of Land Management plans to burn 20 to 30 brush piles at Fort Ord by the end of April, weather permitting.  The exact date the piles will be burned depends on weather conditions and the announcement of a “burn day” by local authorities.

The piles are part of the fuel reduction program associated with the construction of a fuel break system along the trails at Fort Ord. This fuel break system is designed to protect firefighters, help suppress wildland fires and provide for public safety by reducing the threat of an uncontrolled fire in the area.

Depending on the weather, the pile burning may take approximately 10 to15 days to complete and light smoke may be visible. The piles of dry manzanita, each four to five feet high, are expected to produce very light smoke and burn fast so as not to smolder overnight.

Fire Management Officer Mario Marquez said the burning will take place in the vicinity of    Bunker Road, Crescent Bluff Road and Sandy Ridge Road.  Visitors are advised to be cautious if smoke is present.

Fort Ord was an active U.S. Army post from 1917 until September, 1994 when it was decommissioned.  The BLM is responsible for managing approximately 7,800 acres of land at the 28,600-acre facility.   

For more information, contact Fuels Module Leader Jerry Martinez at (831) 394-2821 or (831) 394-8314.
   

-BLM-