Pile burning scheduled near La Porte and on Gold Lake Highway today

Plumas National Forest firefighters will be burning piles on the Gold Lake Highway and near La Porte today.

On the Beckwourth Ranger District, approximately 12 acres of piles are planned for ignition today on Gold Lake Highway near the Gold Lake Campground boat ramp.  The campground is still closed for the season, but pile burning may be visible from the road.

On the Feather River Ranger District, firefighters are planning to treat approximately 40 acres of piles near the community of La Porte.

For both projects, ignitions are expected to happen today, with patrols and mop-up occurring through the weekend. There is a continued chance of thunderstorms in the forecast.  The Plumas National Forest has firefighting resources available for lightning fire response while still continuing this important fuel reduction work.

Smoke is expected to be visible but not have significant long-term impacts to nearby communities, including La Porte.  Short duration, minor smoke impacts are possible along Gold Lake Highway, La Porte Road and neighboring forest roads. Visibility on roads in the project area may be reduced, especially early in the morning and late evening as smoke settles.  Drivers in the area should use caution.

If weather conditions become unfavorable, including increased or gusty winds in the area, burning will stop until conditions improve.  Firefighters will be monitoring conditions and the burning piles until fires are out.

For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.