Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest Feather River Ranger District plan to conduct pile burning operations at four locations tomorrow totaling approximately 53 acres, conditions permitting.
Three of the locations are along or near La Porte Road. Approximately 35 acres of large machine piles are planned for treatment in the Gibsonville area. Near American House in the Valley Creek Project area, approximately 5 acres of hand piles are planned for ignitions. In Strawberry Valley, firefighters plan to treat approximately 12 acres of machine piles.
The fourth location is a machine pile located behind the RV Dump Station near Little Beaver Campground on Forest Road 22N57 on the east side of Little Grass Valley Reservoir Recreation Area.
Smoke is expected to be visible but not have significant long-term impacts to nearby communities, including La Porte, American House, Strawberry Valley and Challenge.
Short duration, minor smoke impacts are expected along La Porte Road 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 La Porte Road, traffic controls may be put in place.
During the evening smoke may settle in lower areas including American House and Strawberry Valley. Individuals who are smoke sensitive in these areas are advised to monitor conditions and take precautions if needed.
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.
Area residents and visitors planning to recreate in or travel through the area are asked to be aware of their surroundings, be prepared for possible short-term smoke and reduced visibility, 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. 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.
