Multi-agency prescribed fire behind California Medical Facility (CMF) and California State Prison, Solano (SOL) to provide weed abatement, wildfire deterrent and training opportunities
WHAT: The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation CMF Fire Department, in conjunction with several other Northern California state and local entities, are notifying the public and local media of a joint training and controlled burn exercise near California Medical Facility and California State Prison, Solano from June 15 through June 20.
The prescribed burn is planned to mitigate a wildland fire hazard adjacent to two state institutions and thousands of local homes. The exercise will create a firebreak throughout the summer of 2020, lessening the threat of potential wildfire by 95 percent.
The six-day project will also provide an important training opportunity for local and mutual aid partners statewide to become certified in wildland firefighting. Multiple agencies will be participating in a CA-219 Firing Operations class and will receive certifications after they have completed the training.
Incarcerated firefighters from Delta Conservation Camp and CMF Fire will be assisting with the prescribed burn. Participating incarcerated firefighters have recently completed the basic courses required to work as a wildland firefighter. These courses were provided by the Vacaville City Fire Department Training Division.
WHO:
- CAL FIRE Sonoma-Lake-Napa Unit
- California Medical Facility and California State Prison-Solano Fire Staff
- City of Vacaville Fire Staff
- Vacaville Fire Protection District Staff
- Solano County Fire Agencies
- CDCR Facility Planning, Construction and Management-Environmental Unit
- Incarcerated firefighters from Delta Conservation Camp and CMF Fire
WHEN: Monday, June 15 – Saturday, June 20:
8 a.m. to TBD (All times are approximate pending project prescription parameters.)
The conclusion of the work day is determined when CAL FIRE declares all areas of the day’s burn to be cooled. Prescribed burns will not take place if the proper conditions and criteria cannot be met.
WHERE: 1,000 acres of state property rolling hillsides directly behind CMF and SOL.
INFO: Prescribed burns are a major part of the California ecosystem to eliminate the build-up of hazardous fuel conditions that threaten homes, resources and wildlife. Re-introducing fire to the landscape not only provides fire-safe neighborhoods, but also helps return native plant and wildlife species to their natural environment.
All state laws and permitting in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) are being followed to include coordination with Bay Area and Solano County Air Quality Districts.
FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES
Contact: Aaron Francis: (916) 628-6033
