Following two days of successful pile burning operations, firefighters on the Plumas National Forest Beckwourth and Feather River Ranger Districts plan to continue pile burning operations this week, conditions permitting.
On the Beckwourth Ranger District, over two days firefighters successfully treated more than 50 acres of large machine piles located in the Conklin Park and Lake Davis Recreation Area.
Tomorrow, firefighters plan to treat approximately 25 acres of piles on the Stairstep Project located north of California State Highway 89 between Clio and Graeagle, as well as two acres of piles near Forest Road 23N37 west of Plumas Pines.
The Stairstep Project is in an area that was threatened by the 2024 Gold Complex and is part of critical fuel reduction work to help protect local communities.
Ignitions are expected to start around 10 a.m. and be completed before the end of the day.
On the Feather River Ranger District, firefighters successfully treated approximately 80 acres of pile burning Tuesday at locations in the Little Grass Valley Reservoir Recreation Area between Horse Camp and Little Beaver Campgrounds.
After a pause today, firefighters plan to resume pile burning tomorrow, treating approximately eight acres of piles in and around Black Rock Campground on the north shore of the reservoir. Ignitions are expected to start late morning and be completed the same day.
Smoke is expected to be visible in the area of both pile burning operations but not have significant long-term impacts to nearby communities, including Clio, Graeagle, La Porte and the surrounding areas.
Short duration, minor smoke impacts are expected along California Highways 70 and 89, and neighboring forest roads. Visibility on roads in the project areas may be reduced, especially early in the morning and late evening as smoke settles.
During the evening smoke may settle in lower areas including Clio and Graeagle on the Beckwourth Ranger District and over the Wyandotte Peninsula and the south end of the reservoir on the Feather River Ranger District. Individuals who are smoke sensitive in these areas are advised to monitor conditions and take precautions if needed.
There will also be increased firefighting equipment traffic in the area and traveling on Highways 70 and 89, particularly in the morning and evening hours. Drivers in the area should use caution, watch for fire equipment exiting and entering area roadways, and possible slow traffic.
Area residents and visitors planning to recreate in the area, including hunting and fishing, are asked to be aware of their surroundings, be prepared for possible short-term smoke and reduced visibility, and to watch for vehicle traffic and firefighters working near roads.
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 operations.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
