The Mendocino County Cooperative Aerial Fire Patrol (Co-op) hires pilot Mike Smith every summer to fly over the region in his Cessna 172 during the hottest part of the day, scouring the skies for signs of smoke. Last year, the Co-op recorded seven “first reports” of fire.

The newly formed Round Valley Prescribed Burn Association held its first burn on May 30, scorching 55 acres of grass at the airport just outside town. Since grant funds became available through the county about a year ago, the PBA has been offering trainings and spreading the word about the benefits of controlled fire.

Last fall, neighbors working with the Mendocino County Fire Safe Council pitched in to help a landowner maintain a strategic fuel break that did exactly what it was supposed to do – provide an opportunity to safely stop a wildfire from getting into the larger community.

Upcoming Fire Safety Townhall for Mendocino County residents will be on May 19th from 6 - 8 pm.