For those in the Concow Basin area, firefighters plan to resume prescribed burning operations this week, Feb 2-8) at two locations. Firefighters may conduct aerial ignitions this week on National Forest System lands using a drone to more safely treat steep and difficult terrain.
Conditions are looking favorable for planned ignitions to resume tomorrow in the Concow Basin on approximately 238 acres at two locations by the Plumas National Forest Feather River Ranger District, conditions permitting.
Plans are to treat the remaining 133 acres in the unit near Cirby Creek Road and Vista Ridge Road with prescribed burning. Approximately 105 acres in the Flea Valley are planned for treatment in the Pyrosilv Unit located near Rim Road.
Ignitions are expected to start as soon as 9 a.m. tomorrow and may continue through the end of the week if the area remains in prescription.
Due to the steep and difficult terrain on both units, firefighters plan to use an Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS), commonly known as a drone, to conduct aerial ignitions this week.
Firefighters will still be ensuring that operations are secure and that burning is contained within the units. Use of the UAS will help both firefighter and public safety by allowing controlled ignitions across the landscape in areas that are dangerous or hard to access by firefighters, including the interior of the units being burned.
If used, the UAS is strictly for ignitions and monitoring prescribed burning on National Forest System lands. There should not be impacts to area residents and visitors on private property.
There will continue to be increased firefighter traffic during and after prescribed burning operations. Fire traffic volume will generally remain high throughout the week, especially on Concow Road, Crain Ridge Road, Cirby Creek Road, Vista Ridge Road, the Rim Road and surrounding roads. The public is asked to avoid these roads in the Concow Basin if possible, use alternate routes or use extreme caution traveling in the area.
Additionally, drivers on California State Highway 70 and near access roads into the Concow Basin from the highway should use caution and watch for firefighting equipment entering and exiting area roadways and possible slow traffic.
There will be visible glow in the area as fuels burn down. Firefighters will remain in the area overnight monitoring the prescribed burns and ensuring that the units are secure for public safety.
Smoke is expected to be visible from Concow, Magalia, Paradise, Jarbo Gap and the Sacramento Valley, as well as Rim Road, Concow 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 Concow Road, Cirby Creek Road, Vista Ridge Road, the Rim Road and neighboring forest roads. Visibility on roads in the project areas may be reduced at times.
During the evening smoke may settle in lower areas including Concow and the surrounding 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 in areas affected by the 2018 Camp Fire and to help with community protection for communities in the Concow Basin and surrounding area. It is part of essential work for community protection from wildfire, as well as post-fire forest recovery and reforestation preparations.
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.
