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CAL FIRE is planning two large prescribed burns in Sonoma County on Monday

CAL FIRE is planning two large prescribed burns in Sonoma County on Monday

SONOMA COUNTY, Calif. (KGO) — Skies may be quite smoky in the North Bay starting Monday, but firefighters are urging residents not to call 911 because this is a planned controlled fire. There are two large prescribed burns at California State Parks in Sonoma County on Monday.

Light rain fell in Sonoma County on Sunday, something AJ Johnson of San Francisco was unprepared for while mountain biking in Trione-Annadel State Park.

“Yeah, it was a surprise, I wasn't expecting it, I didn't bring my rain gear or anything like that,” Johnson said.

“We're starting to get a little bit of precipitation – not quite enough,” said CAL FIRE spokesman Jason Clay.

MORE: Cal Fire firefighter arrested for allegedly setting five fires in North Bay while off-duty

CAL FIRE says the fire danger is still high despite the cooler weather. On Monday, the department, along with state parks, will burn 70 acres of dry brush and vegetation in Trione-Annadel Park.

“We have the resources available to do this work, and given the weather, we have some good windows, so all the stars are aligned for us to do important proactive work,” Clay said.

Between fighting real fires this season, prescribed burns are helping firefighters reduce the risk of wildfires.

Parts of the state park burned during the 2017 North Bay wildfires, but much of the vegetation has since grown back.

MORE: East Bay cities considering banning vegetation and wooden fences within 5 feet of homes to reduce fire risk

“For the prescribed burns – if it's about keeping everyone safe, that's a good thing,” said Santa Rosa resident Hilary Rragami.

Another prescribed burn will take place at Salt Point State Park on the Sonoma Coast, where CAL FIRE plans to burn about 260 acres over several days. Warnings to the public will be posted on the park's website.

“A lot of smoke, I can count on that,” Rragami said.

Firefighters say cooler, wet weather is good, but they're not letting their guard down just yet. Because in California, fire season never really ends.

“We are in the phase where we are transitioning to fall weather, we will see what the rest brings. We are still prepared, we have our staffing levels, we have peak staffing levels right now,” Clay added.

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