Prescribed burns to 70 brush piles in Hearst San Simeon State Park, Morro Bay, Montaña de Oro

CAMBRIA, Calif. -- Agencies begin prescribed burns in San Simeon, Morro Bay and Montaña de Oro on Wednesday.

California State Parks, Air Pollution Control District, CAL FIRE and Morro Bay Fire Department will be burning approximately 70 brush piles created as part of fuel reduction and forest management projects.

The prescribed burnings will happen Wednesday to January 15.

This is all in an effort to reduce fuel loads associated with pine pitch canker, drought and standing dead trees.

Officials say fuel reduction will decrease the threat of wildfires near communities.

Officials say the ignitions may start as early as 7:00 a.m. with the end of ignitions planned for 5:00 p.m.

Burn piles in Morro Bay State Park will be near the Marina Peninsula and along the Wildland Urban Interface between Ridgeway Street and Balboa Street.

Burn piles in Montaña de Oro State Park will be near Camp KEEP and the environmental camp facilities.

Burn piles located near the pine forest will be east of Highway 1 and south of San Simeon Creek campground.