NEWS RELEASE
June 22, 2023
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
Contact: Brian McGrath or Andy VanSciver
Phone: (805) 389-9746
Email: PIOFire@ventura.org
 
PUBLIC NOTICE: LIVE FIRE TRAINING BURN SCHEDULED

Firefighters to conduct Prescribed burn on Thursday, June 22nd and possible the 23rd
in the area of Santa Ana Road in Casitas Springs 

 
CAMARILLO, Calif. – The Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD), in cooperation with the Ventura County Prescribed Burn Association (VCPBA), the Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC), Ventura County Resource Conservation District (VCRCD) and the Ventura County Air Pollution Control District (VCAPCD) will be conducting prescribed burns on two adjacent properties, June 22 and June 23, at OVLC’s Ventura River Steelhead Preserve and Nye Ranch, respectively. Both properties are located off Santa Ana Road in Casitas Springs and the burns will occur on approximately 40 acres of grassland currently inundated with non-native and noxious weed species.

These prescribed fires are being conducted to achieve multiple objectives. The first of these is to reduce fuel loads of fire-prone non-native grasses. The second is to use these carefully planned prescribed burns to train project partners on the use of prescribed fire to achieve ecological management objectives as well as new firefighters. In this case, the burn is timed to reduce the prevalence of yellow starthistle (Centaurea solstitialis), a California Invasive Plant Council listed noxious weed. To assist in this ecological objective, staff from the University of California, Agricultural and Natural Resources Division; OVLC; and VCRCD have joined forces to assess and monitor the site before and after the prescribed burn. OVLC is hosting the prescribed burn in a continuing effort to reduce non-native noxious weeds and restore native habitats in the Ojai Valley.

Depending on specific weather conditions that day, residents in the area may see smoke, however fire resources will be on scene to conduct the burn, monitor its progress, and provide oversight of all activities. VCAPCD staff have reviewed the Smoke Management Plans for these burns and provided conditions to minimize smoke impacts in Ventura County.
 
The Ventura County Fire Department hopes nearby homes and property owners will consider any inconvenience to be an investment in their safety and the safety of their community. This type of training and preparation better prepares firefighters and property owners for wildfire season. Please pardon any inconvenience these burns may cause. For additional information please call VCRCD 805-764-5135 or VCAPCD 805-432-9469

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