Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest Feather River Ranger District plan to conduct prescribed burning operations approximately 4 miles west of La Porte near Valley Creek starting tomorrow, conditions permitting.
Plans are to treat approximately 209 acres with a combination of pile burning and underburning. Ignitions are expected to start around 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 10 and may continue through Friday, November 13.
Those planning on hiking the Valley Creek Trail or recreating in the area should be prepared for possible smoke impacts and temporary closure of the trail.
There may be lingering smoke near the trail as fuels continue to burn for up to two weeks following ignitions. Individuals who are smoke sensitive may want to avoid the area until the prescribed burn is completely out.
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.
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.
These operations are part of ongoing fuel reduction on the Plumas National Forest. It is essential work for community protection from wildfire and for forest health restoration.
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
