Prescribed burning planned at Paradise Lake on Plumas National Forest tomorrow

MAGALIA, Calif. — Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest Feather River Ranger District plan to start prescribed burning operations tomorrow, Monday, April 14, at Paradise Lake in the Lucretia Road area near Magalia, conditions permitting.

Approximately 41 acres of pile burning and underburning is planned in the area located southeast of Paradise Lake along Lucretia Road.  It includes the Paradise Reservoir Picnic and Winter Fishing Area.  Ignitions are expected to start around 10 a.m. and may continue through Tuesday.

Smoke is expected to be visible from Magalia, Paradise, Chico and the Sacramento Valley, but is not expected to have significant long-term impacts to nearby communities.

Short duration, minor smoke impacts are expected in Paradise Lake and nearby neighborhoods in Magalia, as well as Skyway, Lucretia Road, Coutolenc Road and along neighboring forest roads.  Visibility on roads in the project area may be reduced, especially early in the morning and late evening as smoke settles. 

Firefighters will make efforts to reduce smoke impacts to nearby communities.  This includes planning to stop ignitions earlier in the day and monitoring weather conditions. 

Area residents and visitors sensitive to smoke may want to be prepared for potential smoke impacts and take measures to reduce exposure.

There will be increased firefighting equipment traffic in the area.  It is recommended to use caution in the Lucretia Road area during the prescribed burning operation.  At times firefighters will be working on ignitions along the road and temporary traffic controls will be in place as needed.  Drivers should watch for fire equipment exiting and entering roadways and possible slow traffic in the area for the next several days.

While Paradise Lake will still be accessible, those wanting to recreate there should be aware of smoke and traffic impacts which may affect the experience.  Accessing the northern side of the lake from Northlake Road may be a better option for the next few days.

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 entire operation.

The area being treated is in the 2018 Camp Fire burned area on the Plumas National Forest.  The pile burning and underburning occurring is part of critical fuel reduction work to protect area communities and residents, reducing the risk of wildfire.

“Last week we were successful treating approximately 20 acres with prescribed burning in Magalia off Hollywood Road and appreciate all of the support we received from neighbors and Magalia residents throughout the operation,” said Feather River District Fire Management Officer James Lico. “The conditions were excellent and the effects of the prescribed burning on the ground were great.”

The planned prescribed burning at Paradise Lake is also in the wildland-urban interface near a popular recreation area, homes and neighborhoods. 

“The weather is amazing to enjoy the lake, but it is also providing an opportunity to help us reduce hazardous fuels and protect the neighborhoods, recreation facilities, lake and watershed from wildfire,” Lico said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience, understanding and cooperation while we conduct these prescribed burning operations with a focus on public and firefighter safety.”

Firefighters are continuing to monitor conditions for opportunities for additional treatment in the area this spring.

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

###

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.