Today, Californians may notice smoke rising from the vicinity of Upper Crystal Springs Reservoir in San Mateo County. According to a notice by San Mateo County Parks, the Sheep Camp Trail will be closed to allow CAL FIRE CZU to conduct a prescribed fire operation, weather permitting.
The aim is to reduce fire fuel, lower the risk of a larger wildfire, and increase the coastal prairie habitat, which is slowly disappearing due to brush encroachment and lack of disturbance.
Visible smoke could send an unnerving signal to residents in Woodside, Belmont, Burlingame, Emerald Hills, and San Carlos Hills. However, the county emphasizes that there is no cause for alarm and urges locals not to call 911, as extensive fire equipment and a helicopter will be on the scene to ensure the controlled fire's safety.
The closure is planned to be strategically timed, to coincide with when nearby Ralston Bike Trail remains closed due to PG&E gas pipeline work that will continue until October 31.
As the state confronts a growing wildfire problem, proactive approaches such as prescribed fires are becoming increasingly important.
