Prescribed Burn Program

The Fort Ord prescribed burn season ended on December 31, 2007. The next possible date for a prescribed burn will be July 1, 2008, when burn season for 2008 begins. Check this website or call the telephone numbers listed above for periodic updates.

The Fort Ord Environmental Cleanup Program Toll Free Number 1-800-852-9699 provides information on detonation schedules, updates on prescribed burns and the opportunity to speak to an environmental staff person or leave a message.

The Army has proposed a cleanup plan for munitions and explosives of concern (MEC), including unexploded ordnance (UXO), in the 6,560-acre portion of the historical Impact Area. The proposed cleanup plan is described in the Proposed Plan and includes prescribed burning to remove vegetation. Vegetation removal is required in order for the UXO workers to access the site and look for MEC items.

Public comments on the proposed plan were accepted during a 60-day public comment period from June 28 to August 28, 2007. The Army, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) are currently evaluating public comments received on the Proposed Plan. After consideration of public comments, a final cleanup plan will be documented in a Record of Decision (ROD). The ROD will include a summary of public comments and the Army's responses to comments. Prescribed burning and cleanup of MEC in the Impact Area will not begin until the Record of Decision is approved by EPA.

As soon as the Record of Decision is approved, the Army will provide notices to the community, and conduct prescribed burn(s) when suitable conditions are present. For more information about conditions under which prescribed burns may be conducted, and procedures for prescribed burns and MEC cleanup, please see the report Draft Final Work Plan MRS-BLM Burn Units 01-05 Munitions and Explosives of Concern Removal, Former Fort Ord, California, Revision 0, issued October 31, 2007.

Call the toll free number 1-800-852-9699 if you have any questions.