Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest will be resuming prescribed burning operations this week, conditions permitting, reported Public Information Officer Tamara Schmidt.
La Porte RX–Grass Flat Project
On the Feather River Ranger District, operations were expected to resume today on the La Porte RX–Grass Flat Project on the north side of Little Grass Valley Reservoir. Approximately 238 acres are planned for treatment.
Ignitions were expected to start today and may continue through Saturday if the area remains within prescription.
Most of the units are located near Forest Road 22N57 between Black Rock and Horse Camp campgrounds. The trail along the lake between the campgrounds will be closed. Although roads remain open, the recreating public is asked to avoid the area, including the campgrounds. Wyandotte Campground and the recreation sites on the peninsula are still open through this weekend.
Area residents and visitors in the area should be prepared for increased firefighter traffic and smoke, said Schmidt. Visibility on roads in the project area may be reduced, especially early in the morning and late evening as smoke settles. Drivers in the area are directed to use caution.
Smoke is expected to be visible but not have significant long-term impacts to nearby communities, including La Porte and American House. Short-duration, minor smoke impacts are possible on neighboring forest roads.
Gold Lake Highway, Big Hill Project
On Oct. 11, firefighters on the Beckwourth Ranger District successfully completed 12 acres of pile burning near Elwell Lodge and Gold Lake Highway.
Schmidt reported that they are now preparing for possible prescribed burning operations on the Big Hill Project near the communities of Cromberg and Sloat, east of Quincy. Conditions permitting, ignitions may start Friday and go through Monday to treat approximately 300 acres.
Butterfly Valley Prescribed Burn Project
On the Mount Hough Ranger District, mop-up and patrol is continuing on the Butterfly Valley Prescribed Burn Project that occurred last weekend. Approximately 110 acres were successfully treated, with many of the units bordering private property. The project area received approximately three-quarters of an inch of rain, which has helped with mop-up and securing the prescribed burn units, said Schmidt.
If weather conditions become unfavorable, including increased or gusty winds in the area, burning will stop until conditions improve. Schmidt reiterated that firefighters will be monitoring conditions throughout operations.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or http://www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
Information submitted by Plumas National Forest
