Fuels management crews with the U.S. Forest Service will be resuming prescribed fire operations in Ward Canyon and near Tahoma beginning today. Stormy weather interrupted those operations in late November and early December.

Lisa Herron is with the U.S. Forest Service in South Lake Tahoe. She says the prescribed burns are created by piling up fuels and then lighting them up with a torch.

"We have crews and depending on the location they will lay a hose line around the piles and a crew member actually stands there with a hose and that way he can make sure that the pile stays under control."

Crews expect to burn 50 acres in both locations - in Ward Canyon and near Tahoma - weather permitting. Operations are expected to continue through the week.

Herron says they strive to minimize the impacts of smoke on local communities. However, she says smoke-sensitive people should consider staying indoors and keeping doors, windows and outside vents closed.