Grass Fire near La Porte quickly contained
The Grass Fire was reported and quickly contained near Wyandotte Campground in the Little Grass Valley Recreation Area near La Porte this afternoon, July 4.
The fire was reported after 1 p.m., contained at just over a third of an acre and declared controlled at 6:30 p.m. The Grass Fire is human caused and under investigation.
It is not associated with prescribed burning and fuel reduction activities in the area over the past several weeks. However, that fuel reduction work helped efforts to contain the fire quickly and keep it small.
Good Samaritans at the campground formed a “bucket brigade” to try to help contain the fire. Forest Service response to the fire included two engines, a squad from the Kootenai handcrew from Montana, a fire prevention technician and two chief officers who were in the area.
With the sudden shift from cold, wet weather to nearly a week of hot temperatures and dry conditions, the fire danger is rapidly increasing. Forest fuels are drying, readily able to burn.
“Today is an example of how quickly fuels are drying out on the forest and the need for vigilance to help prevent human-caused wildfires,” said Feather River District Fire Management Officer James Lico. “We appreciate the public reporting and providing initial assistance while firefighting resources responded and the cooperation while firefighters controlled the fire.”
Area residents and visitors are reminded to use caution with anything that can spark a wildfire. This includes never leaving a campfire unattended, making sure it is dead out and cold to the touch before leaving. Trailer chains should be secured and mechanical equipment and vehicles should have properly working spark arresters.
Additionally, fireworks and explosives are prohibited on federal public lands, including the Plumas National Forest. This includes poppers and sparklers. Suspected wildfires should be reported by calling 911.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
