San Bernardino National Forest Proposes New Fuel Break Project to Combat Wildfires
Officials from the San Bernardino National Forest have announced a proposal to establish up to 25,000 acres of linear fuel breaks across the forest in an effort to slow the spread of wildfires and protect nearby communities. The project, titled the “Forest-wide Community Defense Fuel-break Project,” is currently open for public comment until September 23, 2024.
The plan involves creating designated fuel breaks—cleared or thinned areas designed to slow fire progression—through various methods including controlled burns, tree thinning, and herbicide applications. These fuel breaks will span roads, private lands, and infrastructure, improving fire suppression capabilities and reducing the risk of large, destructive wildfires.
The proposal outlines multiple strategies for reducing fire hazards, including pile burning, mastication, and the removal of hazard trees that threaten roads and utilities. In addition, reforestation efforts will be employed to maintain shaded fuel breaks, and certain roadside vegetation will be converted to non-flammable materials.
According to forest officials, these actions are critical for protecting both forest ecosystems and adjacent communities from what they call “uncharacteristic wildfire” events. The term refers to fires that burn hotter and more destructively than historically typical due to accumulated vegetation and climate change.
Public input is being sought to refine the proposal and identify potential issues or environmental impacts. Comments can be submitted online, with more information available on the project’s official webpage.
For further details or inquiries, the public is encouraged to contact project lead Lauren Blake via email at lauren.blake@usda.gov with “Forest-wide Community Defense Fuel-break Project” in the subject line.
How to Comment:
- Deadline: September 23, 2024
- Submit comments online: Forest Service Comment Portal
- Additional project information: San Bernardino National Forest Project Page
As California faces another fire season, the San Bernardino National Forest’s fuel break proposal is one of several ongoing efforts aimed at mitigating the growing threat of wildfires.
