Fuels reduction project begins along Atascadero Creek
– A hazardous fuels reduction project will begin along Atascadero Creek as part of ongoing wildfire mitigation efforts by the San Luis Obispo County Fire Safe Council in partnership with the City of Atascadero.
The project area extends from the 3 Bridges parking area to the Salinas River. Work is scheduled to begin the week of Oct. 27 and is expected to take three to five weeks to complete.
The goal of the project is to reduce accumulated vegetation that can fuel wildfires, minimize the potential for fire spread, improve emergency access, and lower the risk of ignition in the area.
Crews will remove flammable vegetation along both sides of Atascadero Creek, adjacent to private property lines. In some cases, limited vegetation removal may extend slightly onto private property to meet project objectives. Property owners will be contacted for approval before any such work begins.
All vegetation removal will be performed by professional hand crews. Removed material will be chipped and dispersed onsite, and no burn piles will remain. The San Luis Obispo County Fire Safe Council will oversee the project to ensure safe and effective implementation.
“Proactive fuel reduction like this is one of the most effective ways we can protect our community before a wildfire starts,” said David Van Son, battalion chief for the City of Atascadero Fire Department. “By maintaining these creek corridors and reducing heavy vegetation, we’re not only lowering fire risk but also improving firefighter access and public safety during an emergency.”
The project is funded through a grant from the San Luis Obispo County Fire Safe Council and supports the City of Atascadero’s ongoing efforts toward wildfire safety and preparedness.
