Forest service Firefighters are gearing up to begin prescribed burning operations in Butterfly Valley, near Quincy on the Mount Hough Ranger District. The planned burns will begin today through Monday, October 9.
Approximately 275 acres will be treated through under-burning, with initial ignitions targeting 90 acres if conditions align with safety protocols. These efforts are focused on the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), adjacent to private lands and homes.
As a result, the Butterfly Valley Trail within the Butterfly Valley Botanical Area will remain closed during the weekend.
You can expect to see smoke in the region, affecting Butterfly Valley, Quincy, Keddie, Meadow Valley, and along California State Highways 70 and 89, as well as the Feather River Canyon. However, no significant or long-term smoke impact on communities is anticipated.
Mount Hough Ranger District Fuels Battalion Joe McGinn emphasized the importance of these fuel reduction measures, safeguarding not only Butterfly Valley but also nearby communities.
Additionally, a total of 351 acres of pile burning is scheduled for ignition through October 11 in the La Porte RX – Grass Flat Project, located on the north side of Little Grass Valley Reservoir on the Feather River Ranger District, contingent on favorable conditions. Most of the targeted areas are near Forest Road 22N57.
Firefighters will kick off the operation with an 82-acre unit tomorrow, extending work through the weekend if conditions allow. Increased firefighter traffic and temporary reductions in visibility due to smoke are expected in the project areas, particularly during early mornings and late evenings. Drivers in the region are advised to exercise caution.
While smoke will be visible, it is not anticipated to have significant long-term impacts on nearby communities such as La Porte and American House, with only minor smoke impacts predicted on neighboring forest roads.
Firefighters will closely monitor conditions throughout the operation. For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
