The Lassen National Forest is beginning a series of prescribed fire projects spanning all three districts as favorable fall conditions allow. Over the past week, on-the-ground preparations have kicked off, with operations set to continue throughout the season, contingent on weather and conditions.
The prescribed fire projects encompass approximately 3,000 acres of pile burns spread across the three districts, with a significant portion concentrated within the Dixie Fire footprint. Notable projects include the Almanor Basin Underburn (about 800 acres), the Warner Valley burn (roughly 1,800 acres), the Front Country Underburn (around 500 acres near Panther Springs), the North 49 Prescribed Fire Project (approximately 400 acres near Ashpan Snowmobile Park), and the Eastside Underburn (covering roughly 2,000 acres in the Halls Flat to Hat Creek Rim area).
Lassen National Forest’s overarching land management strategy prioritizes long-term forest health, emphasizing the reduction of forest fuels through prescribed burning.
You will see signs posted by the Forest Service on roads likely to be impacted by these operations as work progresses throughout the season. The forest service adds you should be aware of potential smoke impacts during daytime and late evening hours when the smoke settles in valleys and low-lying areas, which can lower your visibility when driving. Caution is advised when traveling through these areas.
For more information and available maps related to these prescribed fire projects, you can visit the Lassen National Forest https://www.fs.usda.gov/news/lassen/news-events.
You can check on your local air quality by checking www.airnow.gov.
