With the weather conditions favorable, the Forest Service began conducting controlled burns about three miles northeast of Quincy on Monday, March 18.

  According to the Forest Service, the burning was expected to continue thru Tuesday and smoke might be visible for a couple days afterward.

  A total of 670 acres were expected to be involved in the refuge broadcast burn.

  The Forest Service said smoke will be visible in and around Quincy. Careful monitoring will occur to prevent any serious impacts within the community.

  “Fire gets rid of the dense, tough older vegetation and causes plants to sprout, providing access and tender, more nutritious food for the animals in the area,” said Mt. Hough District Ranger Mike Donald. In addition, the area will be more “fire-safe” should a wildfire start below or within the treated area.

  The California Deer Association, Mule Deer Foundation and California Department of Fish and Wildlife are partners in the project.

  The  burn is very visible in the Quincy area (American Valley) although smoke will likely be visible for longer distances. An information booth is planned for the Safeway parking lot area.

Air quality is a significant consideration of the timing of this project.  Personnel are carefully monitoring local weather conditions and working closely with the local air district and forecasters to prevent serious smoke impacts, although minor impacts will be observed in Quincy and Indian Valley in the morning or evening hours due to local air inversions.

 For more information, please contact Colin Dillingham, District Wildlife Biologist or Steve Causemaker District Fuels Officer at (530) 283-0555.