The Plumas National Forest reports that Mount Hough Ranger District firefighters responded to a fire Sept. 29 in the Feather River Canyon near Belden.
The Howells Fire was reported after 8 p.m. between Howells Road and the Feather River. Firefighters from PNF, Quincy Fire Department and cover resources assigned to PNF responded. The fire was contained before midnight at approximately a quarter acre. The cause is under investigation.
Despite rain earlier in the day and cooler, wetter weather in the forecast this week, fuels conditions are still dry and there is still a risk of wildfire, said PNF. “We want to remind area residents and visitors that we are still in fire season in and around the forest,” said Plumas National Forest Fire Management Officer Martin Senter. “The rain this week is not enough to be a season-ending event and there is still a need to prevent wildfires.”
Last week the forest went from Stage II to Stage I fire restrictions due to improved weather and fuel conditions. Campfires are currently only permitted in designated recreation sites listed in the closure’s Exhibit A.
Stage I restrictions are scheduled to expire Nov. 1, but they could be lifted sooner if there is a fire season ending rain event or if fuel moisture improves substantially, said PNF.
“The Plumas National Forest has been fortunate to have some relief from large wildfires in recent years,” Senter said. “That is in large part thanks to people being careful with fire in the forest.”
Even as weather becomes more seasonable with early storms, there is still a risk of wildfire, especially in areas affected by the Camp, North Complex, Beckwourth Complex and Dixie fires.
“The community of Belden was affected by the Dixie Fire in 2021, losing homes and structures,” Senter said. “Our firefighters and partners did a tremendous job keeping the Howells Fire small, containing it quickly and protecting public safety and structures. We appreciate the Quincy Fire Department coming down the Feather River Canyon to assist in fighting the fire.”
More information on the Plumas National Forest is available at www.fs.usda.gov/plumas and www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
