UPDATE (2:55 p.m.) – CAL FIRE says the burning is complete with a total of 105 acres burned.
Firefighters are expected to remain on scene for an additional two hours to extinguish any hot spots.
(11:38 a.m.) – Smoke may be visible in the Pozo Valley Wednesday due to a prescribed burn.
Firefighters are working to burn 138 acres along West Pozo Road near Santa Margarita Lake.
The purpose of the burn, which is part of CAL FIRE’s Vegetation Management Program, is to reduce fuel for wildfires.
It was 10 percent complete by 11:30 a.m., according to CAL FIRE SLO, and was expected to last until about 4 p.m.
#RinconadaBurn crews are making good progress. Approx 10% complete. pic.twitter.com/AdKttdzPQp
— CAL FIRE SLO (@CALFIRE_SLO) October 31, 2018
“This burn is also intended to demonstrate the effectiveness of prescribed burning as a management tool for the control of yellow star thistle, an invasive weed harmful to cattle and horses,” officials said in a press release, adding that forage conditions for livestock and wildlife should improve after the burn.
Officials say it is not likely anyone will smell the smoke, but if they do, they should “take precautions and use common sense to reduce harmful health effects by limiting outdoor activities.”
