Don't be alarmed by smoky skies next week. Camp Parks will be conducting its annual controlled burn from June 18-22 to reduce wildfire hazards in its training areas.

The controlled burn is intended also to reduce potential wildfire from going into the residential area surrounding the installation. The Command at Camp Parks recommends that anyone with property against the fence line take this time to reduce their own potential hazards by cutting away any old growth near their property.

A 100% containment fire break has been established around the Parks Training areas to stop the fire from going beyond the planned burn area. Also, a controlled burn will not be conducted if conditions are not favorable to the Bay Area Air Quality Management District requirements.

More than seven fire departments will be participating in this event to prevent an uncontrolled burn and to provide a safe training area for the U.S. Army soldiers. A residual benefit is that the fire departments participating will learn more about combating wildfires. The fire departments also will be able to practice their mutual aid agreements.

The Camp Parks Fire, Livermore/Pleasanton Fire, Fremont Fire, East Bay Regional Parks District Fire, Alameda County Fire, and Cal Fire will be participating in the controlled burn.

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