Eldridge Prescribed Burns Completed Near Fern Lake and Lake Suttonfield, State Parks Reports

ELDRIDGE, Sonoma County — California State Parks has completed a round of prescribed burning at the former Sonoma Developmental Center open space in the hills near Eldridge, according to a public update dated October 30, 2026.

Where the work happened

The agency’s official Sonoma Developmental Center Open Space notice identifies work east of Lake Suttonfield and east of Fern Lake. A separate October 23 briefing described a potential treatment area of up to 29 acres in grassy oak woodland east of Lake Suttonfield, subject to weather and safety conditions.

The burns were conducted as planned fire-management activities, not uncontrolled wildfires. Their purpose is to reduce accumulated vegetation and support healthier woodland and grassland conditions. The agency describes the work as complete but says staff will continue patrols around the treated areas.

Can people still smell smoke?

State Parks advises that limited smoke may remain visible or detectable for two to three days after ignition. Visitors should obey temporary trail closures and all instructions from park personnel. Some paths near the burn sites may be affected while staff check for lingering heat.

State Parks asks the community not to call 911 solely because of expected smoke from the managed burn. This does not replace the need to call 911 if someone observes an actual uncontrolled fire, a medical emergency or an imminent threat.

What Eldridge residents should check

The agency’s SDC Open Space news page carries the latest public notices. People with respiratory sensitivities should evaluate conditions before walking nearby. The state does not claim that all smoke or temporary restrictions disappear immediately on October 30.

Sources: California State Parks, SDC Open Space notices, October 23 and October 30, 2026. No photographs, maps or graphics reproduced.

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