Oroville – Cal Fire-Butte County plans to conduct a series of control burns on Thursday, May 26 and Friday, May 27.
forbe
In collaboration with the California Department of Water Resources and California State Parks, Cal Fire-Butte County will conduct a series of scheduled burns around Thermalito Forbe, Cal Fire-Butte County said in a press release.
The project has two weeks to complete, from May 23 to June 5. This extended window allows the fire agency to target the ideal weather to achieve its fuel management objective.
The 4-unit project, which was first burnt down last year, yielded positive results in the reduction of invasive plant thatching. To combat invasive species such as yellow star thistle, it is important to keep the same area burning for several years in a row, Cal Fire-Butte County said in a press release. Burning time is critical and must be completed at the correct stage in the star thistle’s growth cycle to reduce yield mortality and seed dissemination. These burning fuel management projects will allow the Department of Water Resources to continue post-fire studies on the Vernal Pool housing.
“Not only is this project important to research,” Battalion Chief Gus Boston said in the release, “it also removes potentially hazardous fire fuel and gives our firefighters valuable training in burn control.”
Unit 1 will burn approximately 20 acres near the North Forbe Aquatic Center. Unit 2 will burn approximately 40 acres west of the Nelson Sports Complex. Unit 3, near South Forebay and Grand Avenue, will burn approximately 65 acres. Unit 4, off Wilbur Road and Tres Vois Road, will burn approximately 120 acres.
This project is being operated in accordance with Section 4423.2 of the Public Resources Code in which Cal Fire may issue a Restricted Temporary Burning Permit whenever it can be shown that to burn or use an open fire for reasons of public health, safety or welfare Necessary. Cal Fire-Butte County resources will remain in place while Control Burns is active.
shooting range
The Cal Fire—in collaboration with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the California Department of Water Resources—will ignite Butte County 30 on Friday, May 27.
One acre of grassland at the Rabe Road Shooting Range, south of Oroville Airport.
This vegetation management project barn will clear the area around the shooting range of thick annual grass that can easily ignite if it is not removed. The project also provides valuable training for firefighters as they prepare for a busy fire season.
“As we move into the heat and aridity of summer, firefighters in Butte County will use this project to practice our skills in a controlled environment,” Battalion Chief Jason Dyer said in a press release.
The shooting range will be closed to the public for the entire day on Friday.
Smoke emanating from this control burn will be highly visible in the early morning from Larkin Road near the Thermalito aftermarket.
Visit www.ReadyForWildfire.org for safe space and home hardening tips, and be sure to use all outdoor powered equipment before 10 a.m., Cal Fire-Butte County says in the release.
