9 A.M. Start: Why You Might Smell Smoke at Jenner Headlands Today
Residents near the Sonoma County coast should prepare for visibility changes starting this morning.
If you live near the Sonoma County coast today, you should prepare for visibility changes in the sky. CAL FIRE plans a burn that begins at about 9 a.m. specifically at the Jenner Headlands. This location sits on a ridgeline north of the Russian River near Duncan Mills. The primary objective of this operation is to clear out dry brush and improve the long-term forest health of the area.
To manage the event, four CAL FIRE engines will be stationed on site to monitor the weather and fire behavior. Trained wildland firefighters will be present throughout the day to ensure control lines remain secure. Fire resources are expected to remain in the area through the evening hours. This ensures the smoke stays contained and the burn follows the safety protocols set by the agency.
The data behind this burn points to reducing hazardous vegetation. By burning off excess brush, officials aim to lower the risk of larger wildfires spreading through the coastal terrain. However, the schedule is not set in stone. Crews may postpone or even cancel the operation if weather conditions do not meet the required safety or smoke management standards.
Residents and visitors should know how to react to what they see in the air. CAL FIRE asks people not to call 911 regarding the smoke from this specific planned burn. If you spot smoke that appears unrelated to the operation or poses an immediate threat, you should use the reporting channels provided by the department. You can find more details about the schedule and reporting requirements here.
The impact of the burn will likely be visible to those driving along Highway 1 or enjoying the beach areas. Since the burn is occurring at the Jenner Headlands, the smoke could drift over the coast. This is a necessary step for maintenance. You can track the progress and see the specific areas affected by following this link.
First reported by Patch.
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