We had heard about this from a resident of the nearby Lazy J Mobile Home Park, after fire folk conducted a practice run yesterday afternoon.

But here’s official word from United Indian Health Services: This weekend there will be a controlled burn at Potawot Village, up there in northern Arcata near Mad River Hospital. The Arcata Fire District will be running the show, so you need not worry about the fire getting out of hand.

But you’re gonna see some smoke, and that was why our correspondent had written us. A lot of seniors live in the Lazy J, he said — and probably other residences nearby, too — and they should be prepared for some poor air quality conditions, at least temporarily.

Even if you don’t live nearby, you might see the smoke from this thing. Don’t freak.

Press release:

United Indian Health Services, Inc. (UIHS) Potawot Health Village has a prescribed burn scheduled for Saturday, October 28, 2017 at 1600 Weeot Way, Arcata, CA.

This controlled burn is scheduled from 2:00pm to 5:00pm if weather permits and conditions remain favorable. This event is supervised by the Arcata Fire Department under the direction of Battalion Chief Sean Campbell.

Although contained within the grounds of Potawot Health Village, the prescribed fire will cause smoke. Please be advised of any potential health air quality conditions and take appropriate precautions.