CAL FIRE and Butte County Advance Phoenix Vegetation Management and Concow Resiliency Projects

Efforts to mitigate wildfire risks and promote forest health continue in Butte County, California, with CAL FIRE and the Butte County Fire Department focusing on two critical initiatives: the Phoenix Vegetation Management Project and the Concow Resiliency Project. These programs employ prescribed burns to manage hazardous vegetation and restore forest ecosystems.

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Phoenix Vegetation Management Project

Strategic Controlled Burns Near Oroville

The Phoenix Vegetation Management Project resumed this week with scheduled controlled burns on Tuesday and Wednesday. The operation targets 200 acres of fire-prone grass and brush on Phoenix Hill, strategically located south of Forbestown Road and west of Hurleton Swedes Flat Road, east of Oroville.

Battalion Chief Jeff Edson emphasized the importance of the project, stating, "The location of this burn is strategically positioned to reduce the potential of destructive wildfires impacting a large number of Butte County residents."

Smoke Visibility

Residents in Oroville and southern Butte County are likely to observe smoke during the burns. CAL FIRE initiated operations in this area last month and continues to rely on favorable weather conditions to ensure safe and effective progress.

Concow Resiliency Project

Prescribed Burning in the Concow Basin

In the Plumas National Forest’s Feather River Ranger District, fire crews plan to conduct prescribed burns on approximately 34 acres in the Concow Basin as part of the ongoing Concow Resiliency Project. This initiative aims to reduce hazardous forest fuels and support oak woodland restoration in areas affected by the 2018 Camp Fire.

The burns will occur near Rim Road, with ignition set to begin in the morning and conclude by day’s end, provided weather conditions are favorable. Crews from the Lassen National Forest, contract firefighters, and the Butte County Resource Conservation District are collaborating on this effort.

Visibility and Road Safety

Smoke from the prescribed burns will be visible in several areas, including Concow, Yankee Hill, Pulga, Paradise Ridge, and California State Highway 70. Local road visibility, especially near Rim Road and adjacent forest roads, may be reduced during early morning and evening hours as smoke settles. Drivers are urged to exercise caution and remain vigilant for firefighting equipment in the area.

Adaptability in Operations

Weather-Dependent Strategies

Both the Phoenix and Concow projects depend heavily on weather conditions. If strong winds or other adverse weather arise, burning operations will pause until conditions improve. Crews will closely monitor the burn areas during and after operations to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Pile Burning Delays

Elsewhere in the Plumas National Forest, pile burning operations in the Beckwourth and Mount Hough Ranger Districts are temporarily on hold due to weather and air quality concerns. These operations are expected to resume when conditions allow for better smoke dispersion and safety.

Recent Progress Across the Forest

November saw significant advancements in fuel management across the Plumas National Forest:

• Beckwourth Ranger District: Approximately 600 acres of pile burning were completed in the Lakes Basin area.
• Mount Hough Ranger District: Progress was made at Bucks Lake, Antelope Lake, and Quincy.
• Feather River Ranger District: Crews treated 43 acres of machine piles near Brush Creek.

Protecting Communities and Ecosystems

Both the Phoenix Vegetation Management and Concow Resiliency Projects are critical components of ongoing efforts to reduce wildfire risks and promote ecological recovery in Butte County. These initiatives underscore the importance of strategic planning, collaboration, and adaptability in addressing California’s wildfire challenges.