The Moraga-Orinda Fire Protection District carried out a three-acre prescribed burn on Carroll Ridge on Tuesday, July 21, working to establish a fuel break along the ridgeline above the Campolindo neighborhood ahead of peak fire season.

Fire crews began igniting vegetation at approximately 10 a.m. along the ridge north of Rheem Boulevard, according to MOFD. The district estimated the burn would wrap up by 1 p.m.

The burn is part of MOFD's ongoing wildfire risk reduction program. The fuel break runs along the ridge-top fire trail above homes in the Campolindo area.

What the fuel break does

The district says fuel breaks improve evacuation routes for residents, give firefighters safer positions to work during fast-moving fires, and help restore native grassland ecosystems. The Carroll Ridge project sits in what the California Board of Forestry has classified as a very high fire hazard severity zone.

Smoke and resident impact

MOFD warned residents near Carroll Ridge, including the Campolindo neighborhood, to expect visible smoke and fire activity during the operation. The district recommended keeping windows and doors closed. Motorists on Moraga Road and Rheem Boulevard were also advised they might encounter smoky conditions.

The district coordinated the operation with the Town of Moraga and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to minimize impacts on surrounding neighborhoods.

Part of a broader burn season

The Carroll Ridge burn came just four days after MOFD conducted a separate 1.5-acre prescribed burn at Mulholland Ridge Open Space on Friday, July 17, treating land east of Mulholland Reservoir. Both operations follow a strict go/no-go checklist coordinated with National Weather Service fire weather forecasters to time burns for minimal smoke impact on homes.

MOFD's annual burn program has included larger operations, such as a 150-acre burn at Painted Rock in August 2023 that involved 130 personnel and 15 fire districts.

What's next

The Orinda/MOFD Joint 2x2 Subcommittee meets Monday, July 27, at 6 p.m. to discuss wildfire coordination across Lamorinda. Residents can follow MOFD on Facebook at facebook.com/MoragaOrindaFireDistrict for updates on future prescribed burns and fire safety information.