To reduce fire hazards near homes in our community, crews from Ashland Parks and Recreation Commission, City of Ashland, and two firefighting contract crews will burn blackberries in these locations today:
- Near Helman St and Nevada St along Ashland Creek near Verde Village and the Dog Park
- At North Mountain Park Nature Center and across Mountain Ave at River Walk neighborhood along Bear Creek.
- At Westwood St in Wright's Creek neighborhood.
Smoke will be visible at these locations briefly throughout the day. Please avoid these areas if you are sensitive to smoke and people living near should close windows for the day and run air purifiers as needed.
The City and Ashland Parks have dedicated funding and staff to reduce fire hazards where blackberries are a threat to homes and people. The Almeda Fire showed how flammable and dangerous blackberries can be. Work near creeks and streams will be completed by May 1st, following the City's riparian ordinance.
