The Plumas National Forest reports the Twain Fire reached 85% containment July 16, holding at 276 acres. Firefighters are continuing to work on securing fire lines and mopping up.
PNF issued a forest road closure order July 16 for Forest Road 26N18, also known as Kingsbury Grade, from California State Highway 70 north to the intersection with Forest Road 8M30. The closure includes Forest Road 25N21 from the intersection with 26N18 east-southeast for approximately a mile and a half.
The closure order is in place through July 31 for public and firefighter safety as suppression activities continue, said PNF: “This is to help ensure that firefighting equipment can operate safely and there isn’t additional traffic on narrow forest roads.”
Firefighters have been working on steep, challenging terrain in the area, said PNF.
Traffic controls in the area on Highway 70 will be in place 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. through Saturday due to safety concerns. Debris may roll onto the highway as firefighters work to control the fire, and firefighter traffic remains heavy at times.
PNF fire and incident leadership said they appreciate California Department of Transportation District 2 leadership and employees for continuing to provide the traffic control service for firefighter and public safety.
Area residents and visitors should watch for increased firefighting traffic area, especially in the morning and evening. PNF advises motorists to reduce speed and be prepared to slow down for firefighting equipment entering and exiting the highway in the area around Twain.
While fuels are continuing to burn within the fire lines, there is less smoke being produced and smoke impacts are light on the highway and in nearby communities.
The Pacific Crest Trail is open with no significant impacts from the fire. Hikers may experience some light, short-duration smoke.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. The Twain Fire is located on the Plumas National Forest north of California State Highway 70 in the Feather River Canyon.
Fire safety
Weather in the area this weekend is forecast to be sunny and hot with light winds in the afternoon and evening, typical for the Feather River Canyon in summer, said PNF. Fuels are dry and with the current conditions, fire can spread quickly.
The forest is currently under Stage I fire restrictions, meaning campfires are only allowed in specific designated recreation sites in established campfire rings.
Anyone with a campfire at an allowed location needs to have at least a shovel and 1 gallon of water or a fire extinguisher. Campfires are only allowed in established campfire rings with the surrounding area at least 3 feet in diameter completely clear of all flammable material. The campfire must be contained within the campfire ring, not hanging over the edge.
Campfires should never be left unattended and need to be completely out and cold to the touch before leaving, said PNF.
Smoking is only allowed within an enclosed vehicle or building, in designated recreation sites or in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is completely clear of all flammable material.
Additionally, internal combustion engines, such as those in vehicles and generators, may only be used on designated roads and trails. Boat engines are exempt.
Chainsaw use for firewood cutting is still permitted, but woodcutters need to ensure that they are checking the woodcutting status each day prior to cutting by calling 1-800-847-7766.
Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame is prohibited.
PNF asks area residents and visitors to be careful with anything that can spark a wildfire and to help prevent additional fires. The public can report suspected wildfires by calling 911.
