Fire near Keddie closed Hwy 70 for a time Thursday
UPDATE: While the Plumas National Forest spokesperson described the fire as human caused, the CHP reported that “the ignition source is suspected to be a campfire on a hiking trail.”
Original story:
Firefighters responded to a small fire on near Keddie yesterday evening, May 18.
The fire was reported at 7:55 p.m. and was contained by midnight at less than a half acre. The cause is under investigation, but it is believed to be human caused.
The response included six engines, one hotshot crew, one hand crew and fire leadership. Firefighters are continuing to work on mop-up today.
California Highway 70 was closed between Quincy and the Greenville Wye for approximately an hour last night to provide room for firefighter response. The road reopened to one-way traffic and was fully open after midnight.
Drivers on Highway 70 should watch for increased firefighting traffic in the area as work continues.
“We appreciate everyone’s patience while we responded and quickly suppressed the Keddie Fire last night,” said Mount Hough District Fire Management Officer Tommy Grubbs. “The hard work and rapid response of our firefighters helped keep the Keddie Fire small.”
During the transition from spring into summer, conditions can be within prescription for prescribed burning, with the support of firefighters on engines, hand crews and other equipment to safely conduct operations.
However, warmer temperatures, lower humidity and afternoon and evening winds can create conditions for wildfire. In recent weeks, Plumas National Forest firefighters have responded to several small fires in the area, including the Keddie Fire, while also safely conducting prescribed burning work.
Area residents and visitors are asked to use caution with anything that can spark a wildfire.
This includes ensuring campfires are built within a fire ring and in an area clear of debris, are never left unattended, and are dead-out and cold to the touch before leaving. Trailer chains should be secured and tires properly inflated to avoid throwing a spark. And spark arresters should be in good working condition on motorized equipment.
“As the summer recreation and fire seasons start, it is important for everyone to help us prevent human-caused wildfires,” Grubbs said. “Our firefighters are committed this season to do everything we can on suppression efforts as we continue to work on critical fuel reduction to reduce the risk of devastating wildfires.”
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
There was actually something left to burn in that wasteland ? Excuse my cynicism. Once such a beautiful area.
Cynicism excused, ignorance not excused, calling my home a wasteland not excused. . Why don’t you come see for yourself and then you can work on prying your foot out of your mouth
The Forest Service left their “prescribed burn do not report” signs up!! This fire was “cookin” earlier and would have been reported if not for the signs. I drove by at 7:30 and didn’t report it due to the signs