Shasta-Trinity National Forest Planning Prescribed Fire Work Near McCloud This Week

This is a press release from the City of Arcata:

The Shasta-Trinity National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations this Monday, March 23, 2026. We estimate this work could continue through Thursday, March 26, 2026, as weather conditions allow and pending all required approvals.

We use prescribed fires to reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.

The two planned prescribed fire projects will be in the McCloud Ranger District. Prescribed fires planned for the area include:

• Snowman’s Underburn Project, 3 miles west of McCloud and just north of State Route 89 near the Snowman’s summit (77 acres)
• Highway 89 Underburn Project, 4 miles east of McCloud and just south of State Route 89 near the McCloud River Loop Road (419 acres)

Those areas may close to the public for several days for public safety. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns.

Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. For more detailed information about air quality, go to AirNow online or download the app. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.

We will evaluate weather conditions in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.

Stay informed about the scheduled prescribed fires through the forest website, social media channels, and InciWeb, the interagency incident information system. We will notify county emergency management officials when burning begins.