BLM plans prescribed fire in Weaverville Community Forest to prevent wildfire risk
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REDDING, Calif. — Fire crews from the Bureau of Land Management plan to conduct a prescribed fire in the Weaverville Community Forest beginning Tuesday, Jan 25, and possibly continuing through Wednesday, Jan. 26. Operations will be conducted only when weather and fuel conditions allow for safe and successful burning.
The prescribed fire will cover about 38 acres in an area about 2.5 miles south of the intersection of Oregon Street and West Weaver Road in Weaverville. Burning will take place from about 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Smoke will be visible in Weaverville, along California State Route 299 and from California State Route 3 north of Weaverville. Residual smoke may linger in the days following the burn. Crews will be patrolling the area after the project is complete.
“This fire is designed to improve wildfire resilience in the wildland urban interface, which is the area where homes are close to public wildlands,” said Jennifer Mata, manager of the BLM Redding Field Office. “Burning fuels in the forest understory improves health of the forest by promoting growth of fire resilient plants and promotes sustained yield of forest products. Both of these goals are part of our community partnership in managing this forest.”
The BLM is committed to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive. The prescribed fire will be conducted in strict adherence to a burn plan that species allowable weather and fuel conditions and the required personnel and equipment to be on the site.
The Weaverville Community Forest contains about 15,000 acres under the jurisdiction of the BLM and U.S. Forest Service. The two federal agencies work with the Trinity County Resource Conservation District to jointly manage the forest for recreation uses, timber production, and a community firewood source. Community residents value its recreational trail network and visual aesthetics.
For more information, please call the BLM Redding Field Office at (530) 224-2100.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.