Controlled Fires in Stanislaus Forest

By The Record, Stockton, Calif.

Jun. 14–SONORA — Travelers headed to Pinecrest and others in the area may see smoke today as forest crews use a controlled burn to thin the forest.

The Stanislaus National Forest announced it will begin the fire today, conditions permitting, along Crabtree Road off Highway 108. Officials plan to burn 203 acres over the next five days. Smoke from the fire is likely to blow through Pinecrest and Strawberry.

The West Sheer Prescribed Burn is supposed to prevent more-serious fires later by reducing undergrowth. Forest officials say such burns also help to replace nutrients in forest soils.

The Forest Service will have 10 firefighters, two fire engines and one bulldozer tending the fire.

Forest information: www.fs.fed.us/r5/stanislaus/ or (209) 965-3434.

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Copyright (c) 2006, The Record, Stockton, Calif.

Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Business News.

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