The Plumas National Forest reports that pile burning operations started today after a delay due to weather on the Bootsole Project, located on the Beckwourth Ranger District near the top of the Janesville Grade. Approximately 200 acres of piles are planned for treatment. If conditions remain favorable and good progress is made, ignitions may continue to treat additional piles in the 495-acre Bootsole Project area.
Firefighters from PNF and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Lassen-Modoc Unit will work together on burning operations on the hand piles constructed by the Lassen County Fire Safe Council. Recent storms have added to snow in the area and, while roads are clear, there is considerable snow on the ground.
Smoke is expected to be visible from U.S. Highway 395 between Susanville and Herlong Junction and out into the desert. Smoke will also be visible to the communities of Janesville and Milford and the surrounding area, but it is not expected to have significant long-term impacts to nearby communities.
Minor smoke impacts of short duration are expected along Janesville Grade and neighboring forest roads. Visibility on roads in the project area may be reduced, especially early in the morning and late evening as smoke settles.
There will be increased firefighting equipment traffic in the area. PNF says drivers should use caution, watch for fire equipment exiting and entering area roadways and be aware of possible slow traffic. This includes beginning-of-day and end-of-day traffic at the intersection with U.S. Highway 395 and Janesville Grade.
The Bootsole Project is one part of critical fuel reduction in the green forest between the Dixie Fire and Beckwourth Complex burn scars, says PNF. Work in this project area helps protect residences and local communities, including Janesville and Milford.
“Forest fuels reduction is important for area residents in Lassen County and it’s great to have the combination of favorable conditions and resources available to get this work done above Janesville,” said Acting Plumas National Forest Fire Management Officer Martin Senter. “We appreciate CalFire Lassen-Modoc Unit for providing firefighters and resources to help us have a successful operation and help community protection efforts on this project.”
If weather conditions become unfavorable, including if there are increased or gusty winds in the area, burning will stop until conditions improve. Firefighters will be monitoring conditions throughout the entire operation.
More information on PNF is available at www.fs.usda.gov/plumas and www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas. More information on CalFire’s Lassen-Modoc Unit is available at www.fire.ca.gov and www.facebook.com/CALFIRELMU/.
Information provided by Plumas National Forest
