Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest’s Feather River Ranger District plan to conduct prescribed burning operations approximately 4 miles west of La Porte near Valley Creek starting today, May 16, conditions permitting.
Approximately 140 acres are planned for treatment with the objective of a mosaic-type burn reducing fuels in the forest duff layer. Within the burn area, there are some denser fuels as a result of recent fuel reduction efforts that will also be treated. Ignitions may continue through Friday.
Snow melted a week ago and fuel moisture following a wet winter is providing ideal conditions for beneficial fire on the landscape, says Tamara Schmidt, PNF public information officer. The forest composition is mixed conifer, including sugar pine and ponderosa pine, which thrive with low-intensity fire.
The area is within the Plumas National Forest Wildfire Crisis Strategy Community Protection Project Landscape and is part of critical fuel reduction efforts to help protect local communities from the risk of catastrophic wildfire, said Schmidt. This includes forest health restoration.
“The work this week is important not only for fuel reduction and community protection, but also to restore fire-adapted forests,” said Feather River Ranger District Fire Management Officer James Lico. “La Porte was evacuated during the North Complex and while the fire did not get there it came close. Every time we can work on fuel reduction it benefits the safety of our mountain communities.”
Smoke is expected to be visible but not have significant long-term impacts to nearby communities, including La Porte, American House, Strawberry Valley and Challenge.
Minor smoke impacts of short duration are expected along La Porte Road and neighboring forest roads. Visibility on roads in the project areas may be reduced, especially early in the morning and late evening as smoke settles. If smoke impacts La Porte Road, traffic controls may be put in place.
There will also be increased firefighting equipment traffic in the area. Drivers in the area should use caution and watch for fire equipment exiting and entering area roadways, and possible slow traffic.
If weather conditions become unfavorable, including increased or gusty winds in the area, burning will stop until conditions improve. Firefighters will be monitoring conditions throughout the operation.
“We appreciate the patience, cooperation and support from area residents while we get this critical work done to help protect our mountain communities,” Lico said.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
Information provided by Plumas National Forest