A prescribed burning of 4-5 treated acres of slash from felled dead trees and brush will be happening near Figueroa Mountain Thursday, April 4.

An additional series of burns will occur through the spring as conditions permit, according to the Santa Barbara County Air Pollution Control District (APCD).

Most burning operations will begin in the morning and conclude in the afternoon; however, some burning operations may continue through the evening to allow for full consumption of flammable material, the APCD said.

The goal of the series of burns is to reduce the risk of wildfire. Prescribed, or planned, fires typically burn less intensely than wildfires. Prescribed burns can help prevent the spread of wildfires and can reduce impacts to watersheds that can result in soil loss and sedimentation.

The burn will be conducted when the meteorological conditions are highly favorable to direct smoke away from population centers.

This week’s prescribed burn is planned and coordinated by the Los Padres National Forest with Santa Barbara County APCD, San Luis Obispo County APCD, San Joaquin Valley APCD, Ventura County APCD, and the California Air Resources Board to minimize impacts on air quality on surrounding communities.

The burn depends on weather and air quality conditions that are favorable for smoke dispersal. If the conditions are not as desired, the burn will be rescheduled.

For more, visit the Prescribed Fire Information Reporting System website.