Sacramento County, California – Sacramento County is moving into the hotter part of the year with fire prevention work already on the calendar, as Regional Parks prepares a series of controlled burns across several park areas in June.
The effort is being carried out with the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District and the City of Sacramento Fire Department. County officials say the burns are meant to clear away dry grass, invasive plants and other vegetation that can turn parks and nearby open spaces into dangerous fuel once summer conditions settle in. The work also gives firefighters hands-on training before the peak of wildfire season.
The first planned operation is set for the Woodlake area of the American River Parkway from June 7 through June 9. After that, crews expect to move to Dry Creek Parkway for a one-day burn that could begin as early as June 11. Illa M. Collin Preserve is expected to see a one-day operation as early as June 17, followed by a two-to-three-day burn at Gene Andal Park that could begin as early as June 22. All dates remain flexible, and the county said the schedule may shift because of weather, air quality or operational needs.
For people who live, drive or walk near those areas, the most visible sign may be smoke. Fire engines, crews and equipment may also be seen near the burn sites while work is underway. County officials emphasized that these are not open-ended fires. They will be planned, watched and managed by trained fire professionals, with operations conducted under monitored conditions to protect the public and keep flames contained.
“Prescribed fire is an important tool that helps us reduce hazardous vegetation, protect nearby communities, and maintain healthier park ecosystems,” said Liz Bellas, Regional Parks Director. “These projects also provide valuable training opportunities for our local fire agencies.”
The county says the burns are part of a broader approach to keeping parkland safer and healthier. By removing thick, dry or invasive growth before it can feed a fast-moving wildfire, crews can reduce risk to homes, trails, natural areas and public spaces. At the same time, prescribed fire can help native habitats recover by opening space for healthier plant communities and supporting biodiversity.
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Regional Parks Natural Resource staff will also work with fire personnel during the operations to help protect sensitive plants and wildlife. That coordination is important because many park areas are more than recreation spaces. They are also habitats, corridors and natural buffers running through heavily used parts of the county.
The June burn schedule follows other local fuel-reduction work in recent years. In 2025, Sacramento County Regional Parks described a wider fire fuel reduction strategy that included sheep and goat grazing, maintenance crews, conservation corps crews and fuel-reduction permits for some neighboring property owners.
Sacramento Metro Fire also conducted controlled burns last summer, including work near the American River Parkway and Mather, as agencies prepared for wildfire response and reduced dry brush.
The American River Parkway has long been a focus of fire safety planning. The American River Parkway Foundation’s Fire Safe Council says its mission is to reduce fire danger while protecting natural habitat, infrastructure and nearby homes and businesses. Its goals include wildfire risk reduction planning, hazard reduction work and public engagement around fire management.
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County officials are asking residents and park visitors for patience while the June work is completed. Smoke may be noticeable at times, and access near active burn areas could be affected depending on conditions. Updates, scheduled burn dates and additional information are available through the county’s Regional Parks website.