A combined pile of debris, logs and other underbrush is monitored by CAL FIRE crews during a scheduled control burn on Doe Hill, Dec. 15 and 16. Photo courtesy of CAL FIRE

BUTTE COUNTY, CA (MPG) – Over the last week, CAL FIRE/Butte County has been conducting controlled burn operations in Butte and surrounding counties in order to reduce the risk of wildfire, especially near communities that have been threatened in the past.

Most recently, firefighters working in cooperations with the Butte County Firesafe Council (BCFSC) and the Butte County Resource Conservation District (BCRCD) have burned approximately 30 acres near Forrest Ranch and Magalia.

“Part of CAL FIRE’S commitment to its Vegetation Management Program, this project contributes to the goal of treating 100,000 acres annually in California,” stated a CAL FIRE media release.

During the 2-days scheduled for the cleanup, CAL FIRE stated that “pictures form the ground show great fuel consumption,” and that, “conditions are ideal for this burn operation.”

Previously on Dec. 10, the U.S. Forest Service updated the public on burn operations that had been held and scheduled for Sawmill Peak territory in the Concow area, which was affected by the 2018 Camp Fire.

“The work being done over the past 18 months to prepare the site by the Butte County Fire Safe Council and then for prescribed burning treatment Dec. 10 is an essential step in community protection from wildfire for not only the community of Magalia, but the surrounding area,” stated the release.

Approximately 100 acres of combined pile burning and under-burning was planned for during the operation that treated the areas between Flea Mountain and Crane Ridge.

In addition, firefighters completed ignition on approximately 90 acres in the Challenge area Dec. 10, with The U.S. Forest Service stating in a release that “operations in Challenge are part of an ongoing critical fuel reduction for community protection from wildfire. The community and surrounding area were threatened by the 202 North Complex fires creating urgency to complete this work.”