Lassen National Forest reports that fire specialists have been preparing for prescribed burn projects across all three of the forest’s districts while waiting for favorable conditions to begin operations. Work began on the ground April 15, and it will continue through the spring as weather and conditions allow.
The various prescribed fire fuels projects include the following:
- Approximately 3,600 acres of pile burns across all three districts, with the majority in the Dixie Fire footprint.
- The Almanor Basin Underburn, approximately 3,000 acres in the vicinity of West Shore, five miles southeast of Chester and in Warner Valley, two miles northwest of Chester.
- The Front Country Underburn, approximately 3,500 acres with the Boondocks Project 10 miles southwest of Mineral and the Hogsback Project 13 miles southwest of Mineral.
- The North 49 Underburn, approximately 2,000 acres six miles southwest of Old Station.
- The Eastside Pine Underburn, approximately 2,500 acres eight miles east of Hat Creek.
- The Old Station WUI Underburn, approximately 1,000 acres in the vicinity of Old Station.
- The Bailey Underburn, approximately 1,700 acres two miles west of Silver Bowl Campground and seven miles southeast of Bogard.
- The Signal Underburn, approximately 4,400 acres six miles west of Eagle Lake Campground and five miles northwest of Spaulding.
The Lassen National Forest says its land management strategy is centered on long-term forest health. This strategy includes reducing forest fuels and using prescribed burning on the landscape.
Prescribed burns are conducted within a “prescription” that is determined by appropriate fuel moisture, temperature, humidity, wind and ventilation. Experienced fire and fuels specialists on the Lassen National Forest build prescribed burn plans using the most up-to-date science and modeling along with their combined on-the-ground fire and fuels experience. Fire personnel implement, evaluate, check and patrol each burn to ensure it meets the goals and objectives outlined in the prescribed fire plans.
Prescribed fire helps the forest protect people’s livelihoods, property and critical infrastructure, such as powerlines and telecommunication links, thus reducing the risk of catastrophic wildfire impacting local communities.
Prescribed fires reduce hazardous fuels; minimize the spread of pest insects and disease; provide forage for game; improve habitat; recycle nutrients back to the soil; and promote the growth of trees, wildflowers and other plants, contributing to overall forest health.
The Forest Service will post signs on roads likely to be affected by operations as work begins in each of the project areas this season. Seasonal weather is expected to be average temperatures with average precipitation through spring and into early summer.
Fire activity is expected to be low to moderate during the initial burn periods. Fire specialists anticipate daytime smoke impacts during these times, and in the early morning and late evening as smoke settles into valleys and low-lying areas. Residents and visitors are encouraged to use caution while driving through these areas and slow down for the safety of firefighters and the public. Check smoke impacts in specific areas at www.airnow.gov.
To see any available maps for these prescribed fire projects, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/lassen/news-events. For more information about the Lassen National Forest follow on Facebook or X.
Information provided by Lassen National Forest
