Smoke may be visible across northern Sonoma County on Tuesday as fire crews continue a coordinated prescribed burn at Porterfield Creek Open Space Preserve near Cloverdale — an operation that began Monday and could last into the afternoon.
Key Takeaways
- The Cloverdale Fire Protection District and Northern Sonoma County Fire Protection District are conducting a pile burn at Porterfield Creek Open Space Preserve.
- The burn started Monday, April 20, and may continue through Tuesday, April 21.
- The preserve remains open to the public, but individual hiking trails may be temporarily closed with on-site signage posted by crews.
- Residents and commuters near Cloverdale should expect visible smoke and possible odor throughout the day.
- For status updates, contact Cloverdale Parks & Recreation at 707-894-1707.
What fire crews are doing
The Cloverdale Fire Protection District, working in coordination with the Northern Sonoma County Fire Protection District, ignited a pile burn at Porterfield Creek Open Space Preserve on Monday. In a pile burn, crews pre-stack dried brush, branches, and other accumulated vegetation into discrete piles before igniting them. The technique gives firefighters more precise control over where and how fire moves compared to a broadcast burn, and allows them to clear fuel loads methodically without exposing large areas of land to open flame.
Before crews light any pile burn, they monitor weather conditions closely — wind speed and direction, overnight humidity, and temperature all determine whether conditions are safe enough to proceed and allow smoke to disperse safely. The fact that this operation is extending into a second day suggests crews are managing a larger fuel-reduction area and are pausing as needed based on those conditions.
What to expect in the Cloverdale area
The preserve itself will stay open, according to officials, but hikers should watch for temporary trail closure signs posted at specific trailheads and junctions. A visible smoke column may rise from the preserve and drift across the northern Sonoma County corridor. Residents in Cloverdale, Asti, and surrounding communities may notice smoke odor, particularly in the early morning when air is more stagnant.
People with respiratory conditions — including asthma, COPD, and heart disease — should limit outdoor activity if smoke is heavy near their homes. Checking real-time air quality conditions through the Bay Area Air Quality Management District is advised before extended time outside.
Why this matters for Sonoma County fire preparedness
Northern Sonoma County sits squarely in the wildland-urban interface, where communities abut dry grasslands, oak woodlands, and chaparral that can ignite quickly during fire season. Prescribed fire is one of the most cost-effective tools available for reducing that risk: by burning accumulated dead vegetation in a controlled setting, crews lower the intensity and rate of spread of any wildfire that starts in the same area later in the season.
Sonoma County has ramped up controlled burning and other fuel-management efforts in recent years, a response to the catastrophic losses from the 2017 Tubbs Fire and 2019 Kincade Fire. This week’s spring rain brought temporary relief ahead of fire season, but officials have long cautioned that a single storm does little to offset several years of drought-driven fuel accumulation. Meanwhile, recent county hazard modeling has underscored the importance of proactive preparation across a range of natural-disaster risks facing the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the hiking trails at Porterfield Creek Preserve be closed?
The preserve itself is remaining open during the burn operation. However, fire crews may close individual trails as needed for safety, and temporary closure signs will be posted on-site. There is no full preserve closure in effect, so hikers can check in at the trailhead for current conditions before heading out.
Is the smoke from a prescribed burn harmful to breathe?
Smoke from prescribed burns contains fine particulates and carbon monoxide that can irritate the lungs and airways, particularly for people with asthma, COPD, or cardiovascular conditions. If smoke is heavy in your neighborhood, it’s best to stay indoors with windows closed, avoid strenuous outdoor exercise, and check the Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s real-time map for conditions in your area.
When will the burn be finished?
Crews started Monday, April 20, and may continue through Tuesday, April 21, depending on weather conditions. Prescribed burns are paused if wind picks up or humidity drops too low, so the exact end time varies. For the latest update on the operation’s status, call Cloverdale Parks & Recreation at 707-894-1707.
Leave a Reply