NAPA, Calif. – The Bureau of Reclamation’s Central California Area Office, in cooperation with the California Department of Fish and Game and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire), will conduct a prescribed fire on Lake Berryessa’s northeast side, within the Lake Berryessa Wildlife Area. The burn is scheduled for one day only between Monday, June 18, and Friday, June 22. It will be scheduled based upon favorable weather patterns and burn conditions.

The purpose of the fire is to reduce the accumulation of thatch and plant fuels, control the spread of invasive weeds and improve the quality of wildlife habitat. The project will encompass approximately
80 acres of open grasslands and oak savanna. No road closures are planned, and CalFire crew members will assist with traffic control on the East Side Road.

During the burn period, smoke may be visible in Napa, Solano and Yolo counties. Reclamation and CalFire staff will monitor the smoke generated by the fire, which may exist during the burn and possibly continue for several days. The American Lung Association recommends those with respiratory problems such as asthma, emphysema, and bronchitis and also those with chronic heart disease monitor their breathing and exposure to airborne matter and avoid inhalation of smoke, ashes and particulate matter. Residents near the burn area are encouraged to keep doors and windows closed during the prescribed fire.

For questions, please contact Mark Szydlo, Lake Berryessa, at 707-966-2111, ext. 103, or mszydlo@usbr.gov.