Conditions are looking favorable for planned ignitions starting January 22nd approximately 54 acres of piles in the Magalia area by the Plumas National Forest Feather River Ranger District.
Firefighters plan to treat approximately 52 acres of piles on the north side of Paradise Lake in the area near Green Ridge Place and Brezo Way. The piles are a combination of large machine and smaller hand piles. An additional two acres of French broom piles are planned for burning on National Forest System lands off Coutolenc Road near the Skyway.
Ignitions are expected to start around 10 a.m. and may continue through Thursday, conditions permitting. Firefighters will be remaining on scene overnight to ensure the burning piles are secure.
There will be increased firefighting equipment traffic in the area and firefighters working along or near roads. It is recommended to use caution in the area on Skyway, Coutolenc Road and nearby roads.
Drivers are asked to slow down, be aware of their surroundings, watch for fire equipment exiting and entering roadways, firefighters working alongside roads and possible slow traffic in the area through next week.
Smoke is expected to be visible from Magalia, Paradise, Chico and the Sacramento Valley, but is not expected to have significant long-term impacts to nearby communities.
Short duration, minor smoke impacts are expected in Paradise Lake and nearby neighborhoods in Magalia, as well as Skyway, Hupp Coutolenc Road and along neighboring forest roads. Visibility on roads in the project area may be reduced, especially early in the morning and late evening as smoke settles.
While Paradise Lake facilities are closed for weekly maintenance, the trail around the lake will still be open. Anyone hiking the section within the unit on the north shore of the lake can expect to experience smoke Wednesday and over the next few days.
Firefighters will make efforts to reduce smoke impacts to nearby communities. Area residents and visitors sensitive to smoke may want to be prepared for potential smoke impacts and take measures to reduce exposure.
These operations are part of ongoing fuel reduction in areas affected or threatened by the 2018 Camp Fire and to help with community protection for Magalia, Paradise and the surrounding area. It is part of an essential fuel break for community protection from wildfire.
The Butte County Fire Safe Council coordinated fuel reduction and construction of the machine and hand piles over the summer. The piles are composed of beetle-killed trees and small diameter ladder fuels. Treatment and removal of these hazardous fuels is urgent ahead of the 2026 fire season.
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.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
