Pile burning Starting Again in Lakes Basin

Plumas National Forest Press Release

January 7, 2025


BLAIRSDEN — Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest Beckwourth Ranger District plan to resume pile burning operations in Lakes Basin starting today, conditions permitting.

They intend to treat approximately 52 acres of piles in Lakes Basin this week near Gold Lake Highway. Ignitions are expected to start today and may continue through Friday.

Smoke is expected to be visible but not have significant long-term impacts to nearby communities, including Graeagle, Clio, Blairsden and Mohawk. Smoke will be visible from California State Highway 89, Gold Lake Highway and Mohawk-Chapman Road.

Short duration, minor smoke impacts may occur in the area near Gold Lake Highway, Mohawk Chapman 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.

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

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 operations and will patrol the areas for the next several days.

This is a continuation of work in the popular Lakes Basin area since the fall prescribed burning season started. Firefighters on the Beckwourth Ranger District are also scouting other project areas and monitoring conditions for opportunities for additional pile burning on the district this winter. This includes Frenchman Lake Recreation Area.

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


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