Prescribed fire operations to start Tuesday at Trinity Lake
(Redding, CA May 11, 2026) — The Shasta-Trinity National Forest is planning prescribed fire operations starting this Tuesday, May 12, 2026. We estimate this work could continue through the end of the week, as weather conditions allow and pending all required approvals.
We use prescribed fires to reduce overgrown vegetation to help protect local communities, infrastructure and natural resources from wildfires.
A prescribed fire operation will begin Tuesday morning at Hayward Flat Campground, north of Weaverville and south of Trinity Center on the shore of Trinity Lake. Fuels crews will be using an air curtain burner to consume fuels left over after thinning operations at the campground.
The area may close to the public for several days for public safety. Watch for warning signs along roads near all prescribed fire areas before and during burns.
Residents may experience smoke during the prescribed burns. For more detailed information about air quality, go to AirNow online or download the app. When driving, slow down and turn on your headlights when you encounter smoke on the road.
We will evaluate weather conditions in the hours before a burn begins. If conditions warrant, scheduled prescribed fire activities may be canceled.
Stay informed about the scheduled prescribed fires through the forest website, social media channels, and InciWeb, the interagency incident information system. We will notify county emergency management officials when burning begins.
