QUINCY, Calif., October 10, 2025 — Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest Beckwourth Ranger District are planning to start prescribed burning on the Big Hill Project tomorrow, conditions permitting.
Approximately 90 acres are planned for treatment south of Sloat this weekend. Ignitions are planned on approximately 55 acres tomorrow and 35 acres on Sunday, as conditions allow.
This is a continuation of work in the same area where prescribed burning took place during the spring prescribed burn season. The area has previous fuel reduction treatments including logging and mechanical treatments. Prescribed burning is an important next step for fuel reduction, treating ground fuels and helping reduce the risk of damaging wildfire.
Smoke is expected to be visible but not have significant long-term impacts to nearby communities, including Sloat, Cromberg, Greenhorn Ranch, Blairsden, Graeagle, Clio, Mohawk Valley, Quincy, Portola and the surrounding area.
Area residents and visitors sensitive to smoke may want to be prepared for potential smoke impacts and take measures to reduce exposure.
Short duration, minor smoke impacts are expected along California Highways 70 and 89, and neighboring forest roads, including Forest Service Roads 23N08 and 23N35. Visibility on roads in the project area may be reduced, especially early in the morning and late evening as smoke settles.
There will also be increased firefighting equipment traffic in the area and traveling on Highways 70 and 89, particularly in the morning and evening hours. Forest Service Roads 23N08 and 23N35 will have fire traffic throughout the prescribed burning operation. Drivers in the area should use caution.
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.
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in worldclass science and technology and rooted in communities, the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
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USDA
