As the summer heat approaches this weekend, the Plumas National Forest says prescribed fires may halt until fall after one last week of burns.
In the Feather River Ranger District, work continues to open recreation sites at Little Grass Valley Reservoir. The forests service says crews were successful in Pile burning last week, with additional burns planned near Wyandotte Campground.
On the Beckwourth Ranger District, over 180 acres were treated on the Big Hill project near Cromberg, with those operations continuing into today and tomorrow, with another over 100 acres expected to be completed. You can continue to expect smoke in the area. The project has been ongoing since 2011, with burns beginning just three years ago to treat over 25,000 acres.
Patrols and mop-up will continue through the July Fourth holiday.
Smoke is not expected to continue to have significant long-term impacts on Cromberg, Sloat, Greenhorn Ranch, Mohawk Valley, Graeagle, Quincy or the surrounding area. Due to higher fuel moisture, smoke from the burns has been more visible.
Be prepared for light smoke while driving along Highway 70 and 89 and neighboring forest service roads. Your Visibility may be reduced, especially early in the morning and late evening, as smoke settles. You can also expect increased firefighting equipment traffic in the area, and you are urged to proceed through the area with caution.
Photo: Plumas National Forest, Controlled burn on Big Hill Project with hose lay