September 23, 1998

Controlled burn on upper campus September 23

Dear Campus Community:

Please be informed that the UCSC Fire Department, in collaboration with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF), plans to conduct a controlled burn on the upper campus on Wednesday, September 23.

The burn follows up on an earlier controlled burn that took place in late August. As did the first burn, the September exercise will take place in portions of Marshall Field, approximately four miles up Empire Grade road from the campus's main entrance. It will encompass some 45 acres, but will take place in small, controlled sections. It is anticipated that approximately 16 firefighters will participate.

The Fire Department was forced to schedule the second burn after cool, cloudy weather and too-green vegetation kept us from burning as much acreage as we had planned during the first burn.

The Marshall Field area is being burned for several reasons. Primarily, burning eliminates fuel that would feed a wildland fire, helping the campus avoid the risk from such fires. Also, burning helps the campus combat invasive plants such as European annual grasses. Finally, burns such as this one provide training for firefighters.

The September 23 burn is scheduled to start in midmorning and is expected to end by early afternoon. It may be canceled if fires in other areas of the state require attention, or if weather conditions move outside a prescribed safety window. The burn is also subject to approval by the Monterey Bay Pollution Control Board.

Please be aware that some smoke may be detected on campus. In prior years the amount of smoke has not been significant. However, if you are sensitive to smoke or have concerns, you may wish to take precautions. If you have questions or would like further information, please call the Campus Fire Department at 459-3473.

Fire Chief Hernandez
UCSC Fire Department

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