Prescribed Burn for Ecological Restoration Research - May 20, 2026
The Ojai Valley Land Conservancy (OVLC), in partnership with local and regional agencies, is preparing for a third year of prescribed burning as part of an ongoing ecological restoration research project. Launched in 2023, the project examines how prescribed fire and broadcast seeding can restore native plant communities, reduce invasive species such as yellow star-thistle, and improve long-term ecosystem health.
The upcoming prescribed burn is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 8am–5pm., weather and conditions permitting. The operation will take place at OVLC’s Ventura River Steelhead Preserve west of Casitas Springs. The site’s history of agriculture and grazing, along with its soil and vegetation characteristics, make it well suited for restoration research.
Project partners include OVLC, the Ventura County Fire Department, University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ventura County Resource Conservation District, Ventura County Prescribed Burn Association, and Ventura County Air Pollution Control District.
The Ventura County Fire Department will oversee the operation, with trained personnel and equipment on-site to ensure public safety and burn control. Smoke may be visible near Casitas Springs during the burn. Officials emphasize that this is a planned and carefully managed operation, though residents should always call 911 if they believe they see an emergency.
The burn is expected to remain low in intensity, with slow-moving fire behavior and short flame lengths primarily moving through grasses. The goal is not to create a high-heat fire, but to reduce invasive species and encourage native plant recovery in a safe and controlled manner.
OVLC views prescribed fire as an important tool for ecological restoration, wildfire resilience, and community safety. Findings from the project will help inform future land management practices across Ventura County and beyond.
The prescribed burn is not open to the public for viewing or attendance. For everyone’s safety and to ensure operations run smoothly, only authorized personnel and project partners will be allowed on-site during the burn. We appreciate the community’s cooperation in respecting these boundaries
Aerial drone footage courtesy of Wade Sedgwick