The Paso Robles Fire Department has begun riverbed cleanup work to mitigate fire risk in the Salinas Riverbed.
The fuel reduction work will focus on clearing fire breaks throughout 86 acres of the riverbed corridor.
"This first phase is $330,000 and that's for the fire break aspect of it and with that money, we've been able to not only get a biologist to work with us, making sure we're not affecting any active habitat, but also get a couple of contractors on board." said Battalion Chief Randy Harris.
Masticator equipment started phase one of the project at 13th and North River and will reach Highway 46 East. Hand crews will work from 13th Street to Larry Moore Park.
The Paso Robles Police Department will also join in on the action during phase two by enforcing camping restrictions and helping with trash cleanup.
While the project is estimated to take 30-45 days to be completed, residents can find pink flagging as indicators of project areas along the riverbed corridor.
The fire department says having the city declare a local state of emergency in July really helped get the project off the ground.
The city council approved $366,000 for the project last month after more than 70 fires have been reported in the riverbed just this year.
