Communities across Lassen should anticipate visible smoke as the Almanor, Hat Creek, and Eagle Lake Ranger Districts conduct prescribed fire operations. These burns aim to reduce wildfire risks by clearing hand and machine piles in targeted areas.
Last week, the Almanor Ranger District successfully burned piles near Swain Mountain and will continue operations this week on the Sand Crab Piles, located near the west shore of Lake Almanor. Smoke may be visible throughout the week depending on weather conditions.
Crews in the Hat Creek Ranger District are conducting prescribed burns on approximately 30 acres near Big Lake, with smoke likely visible from Highway 44.
Meanwhile, the Eagle Lake Ranger District, in partnership with the Lassen Fire Safe Council, has begun burning 56 acres of piles as part of the Diamond Wildland Urban Interface Project, located about four miles south of Susanville. This area, in the Diamond Mountains, may produce smoke visible from Highway 395, Highway 36, and communities such as Susanville, Janesville, and Honey Lake Valley.
Additional burns are scheduled for the Oro/Diamond East Project on Diamond Mountain, with ignitions expected today, November 13, for nine acres of piles. Smoke may be visible from Highway 395, Susanville, and the Honey Lake Valley.
If conditions prevent work on Diamond Mountain, crews will shift to the Whaleback Site Prep Piles near Whaleback Mountain. This 168-acre unit, located west of Spalding and Eagle Lake, may produce visible smoke from County Road A1 and Spalding.
Signs will be posted in work areas, and residents are encouraged to use caution near crews. Smoke will generally be light to moderate. To monitor air quality in your area, visit AirNow.gov.
For more information, view the full Forest Service release.
USDA Forest Service Photo, Hawk Pile Burn near Swain Mountain, November 4, 2024.
