OROVILLE, CA — Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest Feather River Ranger District are conducting pile burning operations today and planning for prescribed burning tomorrow while conditions are within prescription.
Pile burning occurred this afternoon on approximately 2 acres in Horse Camp and Running Deer campgrounds at Little Grass Valley Reservoir Recreation Area near La Porte. These are large piles, surrounded by snow and important for fuel reduction at these recreation sites.
Smoke from this operation will likely be visible in the La Porte area for the next several days but should not affect the community.
Tomorrow, ignitions are planned on units near the communities of Forbestown in Butte County and Challenge in Yuba County for a total of 172 acres.
At Sunset Hill outside Forbestown, firefighters plan to treat approximately 43 acres. At Woodleaf outside of Challenge is approximately 129 acres. Currently the plan is to conduct prescribed burning operations in both areas simultaneously. Ignitions may take more than one day.
Smoke is expected to be visible but not have significant long-term impacts to nearby communities, including Forbestown, Challenge, Brownsville and Dobbins.
Short duration, minor smoke impacts are expected along Forbestown and LaPorte Roads 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 Forbestown and La Porte Roads, traffic controls will be put in place.
There will also be increased firefighting equipment traffic in the area. Drivers in the area should use caution, 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.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
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