Firefighters respond to fire near Antelope Lake attributed to pile burning
UPDATE: As of 11:30 a.m. April 10, the fire is at 42 acres with hose line around it.
The Forest Service reported this afternoon that firefighters are responding to an increase in fire activity from the pile burning near Antelope Lake on the Mount Hough Ranger District of the Plumas National Forest.
It was discovered this morning by dispatchers through infrared activity that fire from a pile expanded. It is currently estimated to be burning 25 acres of the surrounding area.
Firefighting resources are responding to prevent further spread from predicted winds ahead of a cold front and change of weather approaching later this weekend and early next week. Priorities are to control spread and keep the fire on Forest Service-administered lands within the project boundaries.
Fire behavior and spread is low to moderate. It is burning primarily in brush and some snags.
The pile burning was part of more than 1,000 acres of fuels reduction pile burning in preparation for reforestation under Moonlight Fire Restoration Plan.
The pile burning started March 17 and completed around March 21. As a part of all prescribed fire activities, firefighters continue to patrol and monitor the site. This includes ensuring that fire activity is within the prescription, checking the piles, and taking actions to keep fire within the project area if needed.
Area residents will see increased firefighter traffic in the area, including ground and possibly air resources.
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. Drivers in the area should use caution.
“The work by our dispatchers this morning identifying the activity with this pile burn helped us respond quickly with firefighting resources and is an important part of our monitoring and patrols to ensure prescribed burning is done safely,” said Plumas National Forest Assistant Fire Management Officer Mitch Wilson.
“Spring pile burning is important fuel reduction work happening on federal and private lands throughout the area, work that is critical to reducing fuels around communities and reforesting impacted areas,” Wilson said. “And with rapidly changing weather conditions, continued monitoring and having fire resources available, as well as knowing which firefighting resources to call for help early, are critical for a safe burn and accomplishing these projects to prevent larger wildfires.”
Further updates will be provided if there are significant changes in fire activity or conditions.
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.
