Prescribed Burn Scheduled East of Santa Margarita

CAL FIRE to conduct controlled fire to enhance safety and ecosystem health

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

CAL FIRE will be conducting a prescribed burn on Friday, March 5, east of Santa Margarita in San Luis Obispo County. The agency is working with private landowners, local air pollution and fire safety organizations to burn approximately 8-10 acres as part of the Vegetation Management Program, which aims to enhance fire safety and improve ecosystem health in the area.

Why it matters

Prescribed burns are an important tool for land management agencies to reduce wildfire risk and restore ecological balance. This burn east of Santa Margarita will help mitigate future wildfire threats and support the health of the local environment.

The details

The prescribed burn will take place near the intersection of Pozo Road and Rinconada Road, beginning around 10 a.m. on Friday. Fire personnel will remain on site throughout the operation, and residents may see smoke but are advised not to report the fire unless there is a separate emergency.

  • The prescribed burn is scheduled for Friday, March 5, 2026.

The players

CAL FIRE

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the state's fire department and resource management agency.

San Luis Obispo County Air Pollution District

The local air quality regulatory agency that is coordinating with CAL FIRE on the prescribed burn.

San Luis Obispo County Community Fire Safe Council

A local organization that works to improve community fire safety and partners with agencies like CAL FIRE on vegetation management projects.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Prescribed burns are an important tool for land managers to reduce wildfire risk and restore ecological balance. This controlled burn east of Santa Margarita will help mitigate future wildfire threats and support the health of the local environment.