Pile burning begins near Antelope Lake; be prepared for smoky conditions
Pile burning near Antelope Lake on the Mount Hough Ranger District of the Plumas National Forest is expected to start today, Thursday, March 17 and could continue over the next three weeks, conditions permitting.
Piles will be burned on approximately 1,000 acres in support of reforestation efforts.
Smoke is expected to be visible not only in the immediate area, but in surrounding communities, including Indian Valley, Susanville and parts of Lassen County. Visibility on roads in the project area may be reduced, especially early in the morning and late evening as smoke settles. Drivers in the area should use caution.
Burning will only take place on burn days established by the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District. If weather conditions become unfavorable, including increased or gusty winds in the area, burning will stop until conditions improve.
The project is part of improving forest health by reducing fuel loading and brush in the area, as well as applying fire as part of a fire-adapted ecosystem. The burning is also part of preparing for reforestation activities as part of the Moonlight Fire Restoration Plan. A map of the burn piles is included below.
“We appreciate the patience of residents and visitors in Lassen and Plumas counties as this important work is done this spring,” said Mount Hough District Fuels Technician Dan Patterson. “There are several objectives to this project that benefit not only forest health, but local communities and neighboring landowners through fuel reduction and restoration.”
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas, follow the forest on Twitter @USFSPlumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
