Providing an update on prescribed burning operations in the Concow Basin. Also sharing photos from operations today, including burning piles, firefighters working, views of smoke dispersal and a view of the treated Cirby Creek Unit from January 28th.
Firefighters successfully treated approximately 137 acres of pile burning today on three units in the Concow Basin.
Fuels consumption was excellent. There may be visible glow in the Concow Basin as fuels continue to burn. Firefighters will remain in the area overnight to ensure the operation remains secure.
Smoke dispersal was also excellent. Some smoke is expected to settle in drainages and low-lying areas, including in the Concow Basin, overnight. Visibility may be reduced tonight and tomorrow (January 29th).
Additional smoke production should be minimal in the coming days. The Cirby Creek Unit treated yesterday is holding and produced very little smoke after last night’s rain.
No further ignitions are planned this week and firefighters will be working on mop-up, monitoring and patrol tomorrow and through the weekend.
However, area residents and visitors should be aware that ignitions may resume in the Concow Basin as soon as next Tuesday, conditions permitting.
Fire traffic volume will continue to be high in the area through the week, especially on Concow Road, Crain Ridge Road, Cirby Creek Road, Vista Ridge Road, the Rim Road and surrounding roads.
The public is asked to avoid these roads in the Concow Basin if possible, use alternate routes or use extreme caution traveling in the area. If driving in the project areas, slow down and watch for firefighters working along roads.
Drivers on California State Highway 70 and near access roads into the Concow Basin from the highway should use caution and watch for firefighting equipment entering and exiting area roadways and possible slow traffic.
Prescribed burning operations were successful today with the help of firefighters from Cal Fire Butte County – including an engine and Magalia Crew; Firestorm Wildland Fire Suppression Inc.; and the Cleveland, Lassen, Mendocino, Modoc, Plumas and Six Rivers National Forests.
The pile burning operations today were possible due to the preparation and ongoing project work by the Butte County Resource Conservation District.
The units treated today are in a planned shaded fuel break for community protection from wildfire and oak woodland reforestation, restoring areas burned by the 2018 Camp Fire.
