Full Notification

The Moraga-Orinda Fire District will Conduct a 1 to 3 ac. Prescribed Fire Project at Wagner Ranch Elementary School’s Nature Area on Monday, November 16 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The area was last treated with prescribed fire in October of 2019. If conditions continue to be favorable, Firefighters from the Moraga-Orinda Fire District will be conducting a low-intensity, prescribed fire on Monday.

The project is being undertaken as a means of maintaining the 2019 North Orinda Shaded Fuel Break work and to help restore native grasses to the nature area. The reintroduction of fire will remove thatch from the meadow and reduce competition from non-native grass species. The project will be conducted under specific weather conditions in order to make sure the fire remains under controlled at all times. MOFD is coordinating the project with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to ensure the size and timing of the fire will minimize smoke impacts on the school and surrounding neighbors. Safety is the number one priority. If burning conditions change the project will be rescheduled.

Residents in the area may see or smell smoke. Closing exterior doors and windows will help to keep smoke from entering homes. Signs cautioning motorists and cyclists of the fire equipment traffic and potential for reduced visibility along adjacent roadways will be posted in the area. MOFD will continue to keep residents informed of any changes via NextDoor, Nixle and MOFD’s Facebook page.