Prescribed burning may start Friday, June 23 near Cromberg
Improving weather and drier conditions are providing an opening for Plumas National Forest firefighters to start prescribed burning today in the Big Hill Project area near Cromberg on the Beckwourth Ranger District, conditions permitting.
Overall, approximately 205 acres are planned to be treated, with ignitions starting today and possibly continuing through the weekend or early next week. Today firefighters plan to treat approximately 86 acres.
Smoke is expected to be visible but not have significant long-term impacts to nearby communities, including Cromberg, Sloat, Greenhorn Ranch, Mohawk Valley, Graeagle, Quincy and the surrounding area. Short duration, minor smoke impacts are expected along California Highways 70 and 89, 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. There will also be increased firefighting equipment traffic in the area and traveling on Highways 70 and 89, particularly in the morning and evening hours. Drivers in the area should use caution.
“It is rare for us to have conditions this late in the season where we are within prescription and can continue critical fuel reduction work using prescribed burning to help protect our local communities,” said Beckwourth District Fire Management Officer Don Fregulia. “We appreciate the patience, cooperation and understanding of our area residents and visitors this weekend while we have this window to treat these forest fuels.”
If weather conditions become unfavorable, including increased or gusty winds in the area, burning will stop until conditions improve. Firefighters will be monitoring conditions throughout the operation.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
Why so late in the season ? It’s summer ……we have been inundated with thick smoke at Sloat Rd and highway 70 here in Cromberg since last night ! Our park is filled with campers and I expect it to be empty by late morning because nobody can breathe ! Who makes these stupid decisions in the Plumas forest service ? Like the let it burn policy in the Dixie and Bear fire two years ago that took out Greenville and almost burn down the rest of Plumas county ! As a retired firefighter I have to say you can’t take the intelligence out of fire management…….it’s unhealthy for people, dangerous and honestly down right scary ! Please put it out and stop playing with matches !!!!