Controlled burn will be visible from Ramona, says CalFire

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park personnel, in cooperation with CalFire, will be conducting a controlled burn on Middle Peak, north of Cuyamaca Peak, on Wednesday, Nov. 18, to clear vegetation from 70 acres to make ready for planting of tree seedlings early next year.

Smoke and flames from the burn will be visible from many areas of the county, and residents of the Ramona area will have an especially clear view even though the burn will be many miles away, said park officials.

The burn is scheduled to begin about 9 a.m. and end by 4 p.m. on Nov. 18, with patrol operations continuing for several days. Due to the many dead trees within the burn area, smoke may continue to be visible for several days after the burn is completed, noted CalFire Battalion Chief Nick Schuler with CalFire-San Diego County Fire Authority. Removal of these dead trees is expected to assist in the reforestation efforts and help to make the park safer for visitors.

The area, once cleared, will have over 20,000 trees planted as part of the ongoing reforestation effort in the park. Removal of this vegetation will make the job of planting easier and will allow the seedlings a better chance of survival by reducing competition for sunlight and scarce water.