Get ready to see some smoke in the skies soon. With fall-prescribed burning season gearing up on Plumas National Forest, you may notice hazy views as fire crews tackle essential fuel reduction projects across the area. These planned burns are part of ongoing efforts to boost community safety and forest health, keeping future wildfires in check.
On the Beckwourth Ranger District, crews are preparing for the Big Hill Underburn near Sloat and Cromberg, as well as pile burns at Lakes Basin and Frenchman Lake. The Feather River Ranger District will see the Challenge Underburn, along with burns around Concow and Magalia. Over on Mount Hough Ranger District, the Butterfly Valley and Spanish Ranch underburns near Quincy, plus other pile burns, are in the works as conditions allow.
“This past fire season was a reminder about the urgency for critical fuel reduction,” shared Plumas National Forest’s Fuels Officer Ryan Bauer. Teams are ready to jump in as soon as the weather cooperates, monitoring conditions closely to ensure safety while delivering much-needed protection and ecological restoration.
While smoke from these projects will be visible, lasting impacts on local communities should be minimal. Drivers may experience reduced visibility on roads and see more firefighting equipment, especially in the mornings and evenings. Crews will pause the burns if winds pick up or other unfavorable conditions arise, ensuring they’re done safely. For more details, check the full release.
