MAGALIA, Calif. – On Friday, the United States Forest Service announced that firefighters in the Plumas National Forest will be gearing up for pile burning operations that are scheduled to begin next week.
According to the Plumas National Forest, the pile burning aims to reduce fire risk in areas that were impacted by the devasting 2018 Camp Fire.
Starting Monday, firefighters and crews will ignite about 17 acres of machine piles in the Hollywood Unit near Skyway and Hollywood Drive. If conditions are favorable, crews will then proceed to burn an additional 67 acres north of Magalia between Hupp Coutolenc Road and Casierra Drive.
The United States Forest Service says that during the evening, smoke from the burn operations may settle into lower areas, including Magalia. Residents who are sensitive to smoke are advised to take precautions.
Officials say that the Butte County Fire Safe Council coordinated the creation of these piles, which consist of beetle-killed trees and small diameter fuels. The project is crucial for community protection and ensuring safe evacuation routes in case of a wildfire.
The Plumas National Forest says that smoke may be visible from Magalia, Paradise, Chico, and the Sacramento Valley, with minor impacts from the smoke expected in nearby areas.
Drivers are advised to exercise caution on when traveling on the Skyway and local roads in the area of the burns, with temporary traffic controls in place if needed. There will be an increase in firefighting equipment traffic in the area and firefighters will be working in areas along or near roadways.
If weather conditions worsen, including gusty winds, the burning operation will be paused. Firefighters will closely monitor conditions during the operation.
For more information regarding the pile burning operation, you are asked to visit the Plumas National Forest website or their Facebook page.