CAL FIRE Lassen-Modoc Unit says you will see smoke in the air over the Quincy area today and not be alarmed. The unit is assisting Feather River College with a prescribed 4-acre burn.
Smoke will begin to be visible as early as 8 am. The burn is expected to last throughout the day, with operations ending at sunset.
The burn will take place in the upper portion of the FRC campus. The purpose is to continue to reduce fuels on the forest floor and make the campus forest more resilient to wildfire.
The college is completing the process of bringing a second bachelor’s degree program in Fire management to get students out in the college’s million-acre classroom, as President Kevin Trutna says, for hands-on practical experience. This burn aims to accomplish just that as well.
A certified burn boss will be on site for supervision. The burn will be operating under Air Quality District permits. Calfire and the Quincy Volunteer fire department will be assisting in the burn. You will see fire engines and crews along the roadways on campus. Be aware and use caution.
The Sierra Nevada Conservancy has funded Feather River College forest health projects.
If you wish to learn more about FRC’s prescribed fire educational opportunities and programs, you can visit the Environmental Studies Department website at frc.edu/envr.
