Hazardous Fuels Reduction Project Planned Along Atascadero Creek

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

The goal of this project is to reduce accumulated vegetation that can fuel wildfires, minimize the potential for fire spread, improve emergency access, and lower the risk of ignition in this critical area.

Work is scheduled to begin the week of October 27, 2025, and will take approximately three to five weeks to complete. Crews will remove flammable vegetation along both sides of Atascadero Creek, adjacent to private property lines. In some cases, limited vegetation removal may extend slightly onto private property to meet project objectives. Property owners will be contacted for approval prior to any such work.

All vegetation removal will be performed by professional hand crews. Removed material will be chipped and dispersed onsite—no burn piles will be left. The San Luis Obispo County Fire Safe Council will oversee the project to ensure safe and effective implementation.

“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.”

This important project is made possible through grant funding provided by the SLO Fire Safe Council and supports the City of Atascadero’s ongoing commitment to community wildfire safety and preparedness.