The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection plans to conduct a prescribed burn in eastern Madera County next week as part of an effort to reduce wildfire risk and suppression costs.

The burn is scheduled for Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. near Tesoro Viejo and will cover about 104 acres, according to CalFire.

Officials said the project will begin on Tesoro Viejo Boulevard and extend north to the Madera Canal. The burn is intended to reduce the fire threat to the Tesoro Viejo community along the Highway 41 corridor.

CalFire said prescribed burns are used to help prevent large wildfires and lower firefighting costs.

The agency expects little impact on Highway 41 and said there are no plans for traffic slowdowns or lane closures unless an emergency occurs.

Motorists are advised to watch for crews working in the area and use caution while driving. Because the operation is a planned, controlled burn, officials asked residents not to report smoke or fire activity if they are in the project area.

For more information, visit CalFire’s website.

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