San Mateo County prepares for smoke as Cal Fire initiates controlled burns to reduce fire hazards near Pescadero

San Mateo County, California – This week, San Mateo County is scheduled to have a series of controlled burns as Cal Fire starts controlled burns across 250 acres to lower wildfire danger and improve environmental health. Mostly found close to Pescadero and San Gregorio, these burns seek to remove dense vegetation and improve the resilience of nearby ecosystems.
Since the burns are scheduled to occur on private land tucked along the shoreline, residents south of Half Moon Bay may find smoke in those places. The targeted areas are laden with coyote brush and grass, which present significant fire hazards if left unmanaged. Cal Fire aims to lower the possibility of uncontrollably spreading wildfires, especially those that could damage inhabited areas, by lowering this vegetation accumulation.
Appointed Burn Boss for San Mateo County, Sarah Collamer discussed the strategic value of these burning.
“We are looking to reduce vegetative fuels and encourage coastal prairie habitat,” said Sarah Collamer, the San Mateo County Burn Boss. “A small portion of this burn is maintenance of a previously burned plot, but most of the area has not been burned at least in the last 50 years. These burns are strategically located on ridges north of the town of Pescadero and would help protect the town during a north wind event.”

The operations start on Wednesday and run through Friday, depending on the state of the weather. Cal Fire has said significant resources would be used to guarantee the fires are carried out safely and successfully. To control the fire and stop any unintentional spread, equipment and personnel—including helicopters, bulldozers, several fire engines, water tenders, and hand crews—will be on site.
Cal Fire’s bigger, proactive approach includes these planned burns as part of the strategy of protecting communities against the growing threat of wildfires and maintaining the natural settings that define San Mateo County.
Through these fires, the government hopes to preserve the health of the local ecosystems for next generations in addition to protecting towns like Pescadero—especially during sensitive wind events. Residents and visitors are encouraged to keep updated with the burning and to anticipate temporary changes in air quality and visibility during this period.