Pile burning on Plumas National Forest Feather River Ranger District today

Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest Feather River Ranger District plan to conduct pile burning operations at four locations today totaling approximately 53 acres, conditions permitting.

Three of the locations are along or near La Porte Road.  Approximately 35 acres of large machine piles are planned for treatment in the Gibsonville area.  Near American House in the Valley Creek Project area, approximately 5 acres of hand piles are planned for ignitions.  In Strawberry Valley, firefighters plan to treat approximately 12 acres of machine piles.

The fourth location is a machine pile located behind the RV Dump Station near Little Beaver Campground on Forest Road 22N57 on the east side of Little Grass Valley Reservoir Recreation Area.

Smoke is expected to be visible but not have significant long-term impacts to nearby communities, including La Porte, American House, Strawberry Valley and Challenge.

Short duration, minor smoke impacts are expected along La Porte Road and neighboring forest roads.  Visibility on roads in the project areas may be reduced, especially early in the morning and late evening as smoke settles.  If smoke impacts La Porte Road, traffic controls may be put in place.

During the evening smoke may settle in lower areas including American House and Strawberry Valley.  Individuals who are smoke sensitive in these areas are advised to monitor conditions and take precautions if needed.

There will also be increased firefighting equipment traffic in the area.  Drivers in the area should use caution, watch for fire equipment exiting and entering area roadways, and possible slow traffic.

Area residents and visitors planning to recreate in or travel through the area are asked to be aware of their surroundings, be prepared for possible short-term smoke and reduced visibility, and to watch for vehicle traffic and firefighters working near roads.

If weather conditions become unfavorable, including increased or gusty winds in the area, burning will stop until conditions improve.  Firefighters will be monitoring conditions throughout the operation.

For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook at facebook.com/USFSPlumas.

About the Forest Service
The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in world-class science and technology and rooted in communities, the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other.  The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological and social vitality.  The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world.  The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which more than 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.