With the return to favorable weather the Plumas National Forest will begin pile burn operations The burn will encompass approximately 12 acres of piles in the vicinity of Elwell Lodge and Gold Lake Highway.
Ignitions are set to begin late this morning and are expected to be completed relatively quickly. The burn site is adjacent to the Gold Lake Staging Area within the Lakes Basin region.
You are advised to be prepared for an increase in firefighter activity and the presence of smoke. Reduced visibility on roads within the project areas is expected, especially during the early morning and late evening hours as smoke settles.Drive with caution through the area.
Minor smoke impacts will effect nearby communities, including Graeagle. And along Gold Lake Highway and the surrounding forest roads.
Firefighters will be vigilant in monitoring conditions throughout the operation to ensure safety and adherence to protocols.
Information Officer Tamara Schmidt for the Plumas Forest Service says prescribed burns over the weekend near Quincy were successful and crews have moved into mop-up on the 110 acres completed. Schmidt adds you can continue to see fire personnel in these work areas and urges continued caution around the project areas over the next several days until operations are cleared.
Photos from Sunday reflecting fire behavior and ignitions, and photos from Monday and today showing post-treatment during mop-up in Butterfly Valley.
