05/13/2026
Message from Fred Pena - US Forest Service, Department of Agriculture
The Los Padres National Forest, Mt. Pinos Ranger District is actively conducting fuels and prescribed fire operations on the Pine Mountain Club Project. This is a vital initiative designed to safeguard local residents and restore the natural resilience of one of our region’s most cherished landscapes.
Spanning 755 acres along the strategic ridges of Pine Mountain and Reyes Peak, the project serves as a primary defensive shield for the Pine Mountain Club community. By focusing on the removal of "ladder fuels" and reducing over-crowded tree density, the project aims to protect 2,199 habitable structures from the threat of high-intensity crown fires.
“Our goal is to create a forest that can withstand the modern challenges of extreme drought and insect infestation,” said a Forest Service spokesperson Fuels Battalion Chief Fred Pena. “By thinning specific areas, we are not just protecting homes; we are ensuring that the majestic pines remain standing for generations to come.” Said Pena.
To achieve these goals, fire crews will utilize both broadcast burning—applying fire across a designated area to clear forest floor debris—and pile burning of accumulated woody material as conditions permit. These operations are conducted under strict prescription, meaning they only move forward when specific weather, moisture, and wind parameters are met to ensure maximum safety and effectiveness.
While the Forest Service is committed to long-term ecological health, officials acknowledge that these necessary treatments—specifically the prescribed burning of 497 acre - can result in substantial smoke impacts for the local public.
“We are acutely aware of how smoke affects the daily lives and health of our neighbors,” Pena added. “We are working closely with air quality districts to choose optimal windows that minimize smoke duration, and we will provide constant updates to the community as operations begin.
By proactively managing these acres today under rigorous safety standards, the Forest Service is taking a decisive step toward preventing the far more devastating smoke and destruction caused by unmanaged wildfires.
