Pile Burns Planned at Upper Kern River Recreation Sites

Sequoia National Forest to conduct controlled burns on Wednesday to reduce wildfire risk

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Kern River Ranger District of the U.S. Forest Service will be conducting pile burns on Wednesday at several recreation sites along the Upper Kern River in California. The controlled burns are intended to help reduce wildfire risk and maintain the health of the surrounding forests.

Why it matters

Prescribed burns are a common forest management practice used to clear out excess vegetation and woody debris that can fuel wildfires. This proactive approach helps mitigate the risk of larger, uncontrolled blazes that could threaten nearby communities and recreation areas.

The details

The pile burns will take place at multiple recreation sites along the Upper Kern River in Sequoia National Forest. The U.S. Forest Service is asking visitors to use caution in the area and follow any posted signs or instructions during the controlled burn operations.

  • The pile burns are scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

Kern River Ranger District

A division of the U.S. Forest Service responsible for managing the Kern River recreation area within Sequoia National Forest.

U.S. Forest Service

A federal agency under the U.S. Department of Agriculture that manages and protects 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands across the United States.

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The takeaway

Prescribed burns are an important tool for forest management, helping to reduce the risk of larger, more destructive wildfires while also maintaining the overall health of the ecosystem. By conducting these controlled burns, the U.S. Forest Service is taking proactive steps to protect the Kern River recreation area and the surrounding communities.