Press Releases

2023 Press Releases

4-28-23: Camp Roberts Fire Hazard Reduction and Training Burns - Burn Window May 17 through June 16 with Majority being June 1

The SLO County Air Pollution Control District (SLO County APCD) is issuing this press release to provide the public with information in preparation for a series of prescribed burns at Camp Roberts (located in southern Monterey and northern San Luis Obispo Counties). The proposed burn dates are set to occur between May 17, 2023 through June 16, 2023, with the majority of the burn acreage (approximately 9,000 acres) proposed to occur on June 1, 2023, weather permitting. Training and hazard reduction burns are planned for May 17-19, May 24-26, May 31, June 1, June 5 and June 14-16, 2023.

This burn is an interagency operation hosted by Camp Roberts Fire in cooperation with several other local fire agencies. All agencies will be participating in the training and will be practicing wildland firefighting techniques to further their understanding and abilities. Prescribed burning is an important tool used to minimize fire hazards and minimize the likelihood of uncontrolled future wildfires that would have the potential to induce significant air quality impacts on the local community.

Smoke will be present on the day of the prescribed burns. The SLO County APCD and Monterey Bay Air Resources District will be working collaboratively with all involved agencies to ensure up-to-date air quality information is provided to the public.

Children, the elderly, and those that already have a respiratory condition are the most susceptible to the health impacts of smoke and should use caution if they smell smoke.

Additional information will be provided as the burn window gets closer. The burn is dependent on weather and air quality conditions that are favorable for smoke dispersal. If the conditions are not as desired, the burn may be rescheduled.

SLO County APCD will continue to closely monitor air pollution levels throughout the region. Visit the APCD website slocleanair.org/air-quality/air-forecasting-map.php to see current air quality conditions and forecasts for SLO County. Sign up to receive air quality text messages through our AirAware text notification system at https://www.slocleanair.org/air-quality-alerts.php. You can also reach the Camp Roberts Public Information Officer Keba Baird at 805-610-6742 with any questions or concerns.