Following Success Last Week, Pile Burning Continues in Lakes Basin

QUINCY — Following a week of successful pile burning operations on the Plumas National Forest Mount Hough and Beckwourth Ranger Districts, firefighters plan to continue to work on pile burning today in Lakes Basin on the Beckwourth Ranger District, conditions permitting.

Last week, the Mount Hough Ranger District accomplished approximately 73 acres of pile burning, including 41 acres of piles near Quincy. There are not plans for additional pile burning on the Mount Hough Ranger District until after Thanksgiving.

On the Beckwourth Ranger District, firefighters successfully treated 248 acres in Lakes Basin, primarily near Gold Lake, Gold Lake Highway and Gold Lake Lodge. Firefighters estimate there was at least a foot of snow on the ground Friday and there is more snow in the forecast.

This week firefighters plan to continue pile burning in Lakes Basin on approximately 280 acres, starting with ignitions on 97 acres of piles today near Gold Lake Lodge and Gold Lake Highway. This is continuing critical fuel reduction work in the popular recreation area.

Smoke is expected to be visible in the area but not have significant long-term impacts to nearby communities, including Graeagle, Blairsden, Clio and Portola.

Short duration, minor smoke impacts are possible on neighboring forest roads and Gold Lake Highway. Visibility on roads in the project area may be reduced, especially early in the morning and late evening as smoke settles.

There will be increased firefighting equipment traffic in these areas. Drivers in the area should use caution, watch for fire equipment exiting and entering area roadways, and possible slow traffic.

Recreation sites in the Lakes Basin remain accessible, despite being winterized for the season. With the draw of fresh snow accumulating with each storm, anyone recreating in these areas is encouraged to 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 throughout operations.

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