Quincy, CA, October 23, 2026 — Despite the storm this week, fire conditions remain elevated on the Plumas National Forest this weekend, especially with predictions of a north wind event in the area as soon as tonight.

Precipitation amounts varied across the Forest, with some areas receiving significant rainfall and others receiving little to none.  There was less rain on the west side of the Forest, including in the Feather River Canyon where in recent weeks there have been hot temperatures and strong winds.

This weekend, temperatures are expected to warm up again, with highs in the low to mid-70s in much of the area.  There are currently not any weather advisories or warnings in the area, but forecasts predict strong, gusty north winds.

The Plumas National Forest is currently under Stage I Fire Restrictions.  Campfires are only allowed in designated recreation sites identified in Exhibit A of the restrictions.

If you choose to have a campfire at one of these locations, never leave it unattended and make sure it is completely out and cold to the touch.  Make sure that the area is cleared of flammable materials and have a shovel and plenty of water ready.  Wind can carry a spark or ember and start a larger fire.

“The Plumas National Forest has historically experienced significant large fires in the fall, typically driven by north wind events,” said Plumas National Forest Fire Chief Martin Senter.  “The weather predicted this weekend makes it critical that every precaution be taken to prevent starting a wildfire.”

Over the past week there have been numerous smoke checks for residential pile burns out of compliance.  All residential burning permits are currently suspended and there should not be any burning occurring until local Cal Fire units allow it.  For more information, please visit https://burnpermit.fire.ca.gov/.

“With the weather cooling down, we share the public’s eagerness for fall burning and cleaning up before winter storms,” Senter said.  “We are closely monitoring weather and fuel conditions and are looking forward to being in prescription soon to start prescribed burning operations across the Forest.”

All three ranger districts have plans for prescribed burning this fall and winter, including underburning and pile burning.  Most of these operations are near communities, supporting protection of life and property, as well as protecting other infrastructure and resources.

Prescribed burning operations may start as early as next Wednesday, October 28, weather and fuel conditions permitting.

On the Beckwourth Ranger District’s Madora Project located near Plumas Pines and Graeagle, firefighters plan to treat approximately 200 acres. 

This part of the project area was treated with pile burning last year.  This fall the plan is for combined underburning and pile burning, with the final piles in the interior of the project being burned.

Firefighters on the Mount Hough Ranger District are planning to treat approximately 400 acres on the South Park Units of the North Quincy Project located near Quincy, off Chandler Road and California State Highway 70.

The South Park operation is underburning and will affect and limit access to the trail system during the prescribed burn and for a few weeks after, depending on conditions.

For both prescribed burns, smoke impacts are likely for nearby residents.  For the Madora Project, smoke is likely to impact both Plumas Pines and Graeagle, especially as smoke settles overnight.  On the South Park Units, smoke may impact residents in the Chandler Road, South Park, Cascades and Keddie areas.

For more detailed information about air quality, please visit https://fire.airnow.gov/.

Notifications, more information and updates will be provided not only for these prescribed burning operations, but for additional prescribed burns on the Plumas National Forest this fall and winter.

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