FOREST SERVICE BURNING CLEARED BRUSH IN SAN VICENTE AND PALOMAR AREAS TODAY
February 19, 2013 (San Diego's East County) --Cleveland National Forest is conducting burning operations today in the San Vicente area in East County and on Palomar Mountain near Observatory Campground. This is a continuation of burning operations that began yesterday, but are not expected to continue into tomorrow due to the weather system that may bring rain and that is moving into southern California.
The Forest Service is burning fuels that have been piled as a result of hand and mechanical fuel treatments in the area.
"Fuels treatments reduce the risk and severity of wildfires and are commonly used to treat stands of trees," said Brian Harris with Cleveland National Forest. "These fuel treatments increase resiliency to wildfires, enhance community protection, and increase the health of the forest. Healthy forests can deliver clean water, enhance recreational opportunities and provide for wildlife habitat, while being more resilient to current and future effects of climate change."