Oct. 22: North Complex Fire: Suppression repair continues

Crews are focused on suppression repair work in the most critical areas. Today that includes the Penstocks, south of Bucks Lake, the northeast portion of the burn area and Little Grass Valley. Cultural sites and sensitive habitats inside the burn area will require significantly more time and resources to address.

Teams of firefighters have been organized into four groups and they add or subtract equipment based on the needs of their geographical assignment. Resources can change each day to be as efficient as possible in the suppression repair work being done. This suppression repair work is extremely important for the Feather River watershed to prevent sedimentation and preserve the water quality of Lake Oroville.

Cal Fire is continuing similar suppression repair work in the southern part of the burn area. Work in this area should be completed in the coming weeks.

The Red Flag Warning remains in effect until Friday at 5 p.m. Winds are expected north to east at 10-20 mph, gusting to 45 mph. Humidity will be in the 10-20 percent range with highs touching 70 degrees. Air quality is expected to remain Good.

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Only a portion of the Plumas National Forest is closed with two-thirds open for recreation. In the areas of Forest closures, Forest Service roads and campgrounds are closed. Burned trees, smoldering stump holes, heavy equipment being moved around the fire area are some of the immediate public safety issues in the closed burn area. Longer term hazards include landslides and flash flooding caused by erosion or suppression activities not yet repaired in the closure area can lead to serious injury or death without warning. Law enforcement will be patrolling the area. Please use caution as fire personnel continue working in the area. Drive carefully and watch for fire equipment. Watch your speed and also be aware of logging trucks around La Porte Road. For a list of closures go to: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices

The fire remains at 318,930 acres and is 95 percent contained.

Operational briefings will be posted to the Plumas National Forest Facebook Page every other day at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas