The Plumas National Forest reports that firefighters on the Mount Hough Ranger District plan to conduct pile burning operations this week on several units in the Meadow Valley area near Spanish Ranch, Silver Lake Road and Snake Lake Road, as well as at the district office near Quincy, conditions permitting.
Approximately 487 acres of piles are planned for ignitions starting today and continuing through Friday as weather and conditions allow. This includes approximately 5 acres of piles at the Mount Hough Ranger District office, located at 39696 State Route 70 north of Quincy.
Smoke is expected to be visible from Meadow Valley, Quincy, the Oro-Quincy Highway, highways 70 and 89 and the surrounding area.
Minor smoke impacts of short duration are possible in Meadow Valley, the Spanish Ranch area and on neighboring forest roads. PNF warns that visibility on roads in the project areas may be reduced, especially early in the morning and late in the evening as smoke settles.
Smoke dispersal is expected to move away from communities, towards Bucks Lake Wilderness and the Feather River Canyon.
There will be increased firefighting equipment traffic in the area throughout the week, including traveling between Quincy and the Meadow Valley area. Drivers are asked to slow down, be aware of their surroundings and watch for fire equipment exiting and entering roadways.
If weather conditions become unfavorable, including increased or gusty winds in the area, burning will stop until conditions improve, said PNF. Firefighters will be monitoring conditions throughout operations.
More information on the Plumas National Forest is available at www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
