Hazardous fuels reduction project begins along Atascadero Creek

By Atascadero News · Mon Oct 27 2025

ATASCADERO — The San Luis Obispo County Fire Safe Council (SLO FSC), in partnership with the City of Atascadero, will launch a hazardous fuels reduction project along Atascadero Creek as part of ongoing wildfire prevention efforts. The work area will extend from the 3 Bridges parking area to the Salinas River.

Beginning the week of October 27, the project will take approximately three to five weeks to complete. Crews will remove dense, flammable vegetation along both sides of the creek to reduce wildfire fuel, minimize the risk of ignition, and improve emergency access. In limited cases, vegetation removal may extend slightly onto private property with prior landowner approval.

All vegetation removal will be conducted by professional hand crews, with debris chipped and dispersed onsite — no burn piles will remain. The SLO Fire Safe Council will oversee the project to ensure safety and compliance.

“Proactive fuel reduction like this is one of the most effective ways we can protect our community before a wildfire starts,” said David Van Son, Battalion Chief for the City of Atascadero Fire Department. “By maintaining these creek corridors and reducing heavy vegetation, we’re not only lowering fire risk but also improving firefighter access and public safety during an emergency.”

The project is funded through a SLO Fire Safe Council grant.