Plumas National Forest reports that firefighters on the Mount Hough and Beckwourth ranger districts are conducting pile burning operations at several locations.
There will be increased firefighting equipment traffic in these areas. PNF says drivers in the area should use caution and watch for fire equipment exiting and entering area roadways and possible slow traffic. Area residents and visitors planning to recreate in the area are asked to be aware of their surroundings, be prepared for possible short-term smoke and reduced visibility even on the lakes, and to watch for vehicle traffic and firefighters working near roads.
If weather conditions become unfavorable, including increased or gusty winds in the area, burning will stop until conditions improve, said PNF. Firefighters will be monitoring conditions throughout operations.
Mount Hough Ranger District
Today firefighters worked primarily in the Meadow Valley and Bucks Lake areas. The largest operation was approximately 29 acres of pile burning in the Spanish Ranch area north of Meadow Valley. Approximately 15 acres of piles are slated for treatment in the Three Lake Road area. Another approximately 4 acres of piles combined are set for treatment near the intersection of Lookout Rock Road and Big Creek Road near Bucks Lake, at Oakland Camp and in the Greenville Campground.
Tomorrow, firefighters plan to treat approximately 31 acres of piles in Butterfly Valley, located approximately a half-mile northeast of the community.
Smoke is expected to be visible from Bucks Lake, Meadow Valley, Quincy, Greenville, Butterfly Valley, Oro-Quincy Highway, California State Highway 70 and the surrounding area. Minor smoke impacts of short duration are possible on neighboring forest roads. Visibility on roads in the project area may be reduced, especially early in the morning and late evening as smoke settles.
Beckwourth Ranger District
Firefighters on the Beckwourth Ranger District conducted pile burning operations in Mohawk Valley southwest of Graeagle, near Johnsville and Plumas Pines, yesterday and today. Yesterday approximately 5 acres were treated, with ignitions on 5 additional acres set for today.
Fuels consumption was excellent, said PNF. Smoke dispersal was good and there were minimal smoke impacts in the area and no additional smoke impacts expected overnight.
Smoke is expected to be visible in the area but not have significant long-term impacts to nearby communities, including Mohawk, Johnsville, Plumas Pines, Graeagle, Blairsden and the surrounding areas. Drivers on westbound California State Highway 70 will likely see smoke.
More information on the Plumas National Forest is available at www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.