Conditions look favorable for firefighters on the Plumas National Forest Mount Hough Ranger District to start treatment on approximately 404 acres in the South Park area between Chandler and Oakland Camp roads north of Quincy.
Plans are to treat approximately 150 acres this Wednesday and Thursday, pause operations and resume treatment as soon as Sunday, conditions permitting.
The area being treated is part of the South Park Units of the North Quincy Project. The units are on National Forest System lands bordering residences and private timber lands. It also includes several trails in the South Park area.
The South Park Trailhead, locally known as the Barlow Trailhead, the Monument Trailhead, and other access points along Chandler Road will be closed. The Cascades Trail will be open from the Cascades Trailhead. The Spanish Trailhead is open until burning operations resume as soon as Sunday.
The trails will be closed during and for a time after prescribed burning operations to ensure they are safe. There may be lingering smoke on the trails in the interior of the unit as fuels continue to burn for up to two weeks following ignitions. Individuals who are smoke sensitive may want to use other trails in the system until the prescribed burn is completely out.
Smoke is expected to be highly visible in the area, including Quincy, Indian Valley, Chandler Road, Oakland Camp Road and California State Highway 70, but is not expected to have significant long-term impacts to nearby communities.
Short duration, minor smoke impacts are expected along Chandler Road, Oakland Camp Road, California State Highway 70 and neighboring forest roads. Visibility on roads in the project area may be reduced at times.
During the evening smoke may settle in lower areas including Chandler Road, Quincy, Keddie and down-canyon communities. While it is unlikely, there is a possibility of limited smoke impacts in the Indian Valley area. Individuals who are smoke sensitive in these areas are advised to monitor conditions and take precautions if needed.
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.
