California State Parks is conducting prescribed burns at The Forest of Nisene Marks State Park starting in early December and continuing through late January.
The prescribed pile burning will happen across 60 acres of the forest, the agency said. Sections of Aptos Creek Fire Road may be temporarily closed, including to pedestrians and cyclists.
Similarly, Cal Fire said it plans to conduct prescribed burns in Soquel Demonstration State Forest starting on Tuesday, Dec. 3 and lasting about two or three weeks.
People living in Soquel and Corralitos, in particular, may see smoke on days when prescribed burns are happening and State Parks advised residents to avoid strenuous outdoor activity and remain indoors near active burn areas, especially people with respiratory or heart conditions.
The burns are being conducted to reduce the risk of wildfires, the state agencies said.