Fire watch, Plumas National Forest firefighters will begin piles burns this week as weather allows. Crews plan to burn 20 acres near Graeagle on the Beckwourth Ranger District today, and if conditions remain favorable, an additional 18 acres will be burned to complete the project.
The forest service says snow continues to limit access despite seasonable weather improving conditions for pile burning.
Firefighters from Firestorm and the Mount Hough Ranger District will support the Beckwourth Ranger District’s pile burning this week, including patrol through the weekend.
Smoke is expected to be visible but not have significant long-term impacts on nearby communities, including Graeagle and Blairsden. You can plan to see brief minor smoke impacts along Highways 70 and 89, Gold Lake Highway, and neighboring forest roads.
You are reminded that when traveling through the project area, your visibility may be reduced, especially early morning and late evening, as smoke settles. Beckwourth District Fire Management Officer Don Fregulia says this national forest area is critical to complete prescribed burning.
Fire crews will stop if winds increase though Firefighters will monitor conditions and the burning piles until the fires are out.
