Ceremonial Cultural Burn Scheduled at Cal State East Bay, Concord Center

On Saturday, June 6, the mak-warép Ohlone Land Conservancy, in partnership with Cal State East Bay, Concord Center, CAL FIRE, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District and the Contra Costa Resource Conservation District (CCRCD), will conduct a ceremonial cultural burn of less than one acre at the Cal State East Bay Concord Center.

This event continues the restoration of Indigenous-led fire practices in the East Bay, reaffirming cultural traditions and supporting ecological health on Ohlone homelands. The project is designed to reduce invasive grasses, improve soil health and restore native plants important for food, medicine and basketry.

What to Expect

• Smoke may be visible near the CSU East Bay Concord Center (4700 Ygnacio Valley Road) between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., weather and air quality permitting.
• The invitation-only event begins with a private Ohlone ceremony, followed by a controlled cultural burn led by Ohlone firekeepers under cultural protocols.
• Fire personnel and equipment from CAL FIRE and Contra Costa County Fire will be on-site throughout the day.
• The project will only proceed on a permissive burn day, as determined by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD).

Safety Measures

• Public safety is the highest priority. The burn will be conducted under a strict, approved burn plan that considers fire behavior and weather conditions.
• Fire breaks, water supply and suppression equipment will be established on-site.
• Crews will remain until the fire perimeter is fully secured and declared out.
• The burn will not proceed if wind, humidity, or other conditions make it unsafe.

Air Quality Compliance

This project qualifies as a ceremonial fire under BAAQMD Regulation 5. It is exempt from open burn notification and fees, with the only condition being that the burn will not proceed on a Mandatory Burn Ban (Spare the Air Alert) day.

Public Information

For updates on the burn, please visit:

• Cal State East Bay Concord Center website
• Contra Costa County Fire Protection District
• CAL Fire

Media and public inquiries

Kimberly Hawkins, News & Information Manager, Cal State East Bay [email protected]