Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest Beckwourth Ranger District plan to resume pile burning operations this morning on Grizzly Ridge above the communities of Cromberg and Greenhorn Ranch, conditions permitting.
Firefighters plan to treat approximately 40 acres of machine piles. Ignitions are expected to be completed today and firefighters are considering other pile burning units on the Ranger District for treatment this week through Friday as weather and conditions allow.
Smoke is expected to be visible in the area but not have significant long-term impacts to nearby communities, including Cromberg, Sloat and Greenhorn Ranch. Drivers on California State Highways 70 and 89 and neighboring roads will likely see smoke.
There are numerous organizations and members of the public who are also conducting burning operations throughout the area due to optimal fuel and weather conditions. This is creating other areas with visible smoke and possible smoke impacts that are not associated with Plumas National Forest prescribed burning operations.
Area residents and visitors should be prepared for possible smoke impacts and take precautionary measures if they are smoke sensitive.
There will 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.
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.
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in worldclass science and technology and rooted in communities, the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research
