Four Lightning Fires Contained on Plumas National Forest

PLUMAS NATIONAL FOREST – Firefighters contained four lightning fires on the Plumas National Forest following October 5 thunderstorms, the Forest Service said in an October 6 news release. Each burned less than a quarter acre.

Three fires were in the Bucks Lake area, and the fourth was near Oro-Quincy Highway and French Creek Road. The storms brought light precipitation over extremely dry vegetation, the agency said.

Crews continued patrolling for additional fires as of October 6. Lightning fires can smolder for days or weeks after a thunderstorm, and fire danger remains high following last week’s summerlike heat.

“In late summer and fall, lightning on dry fuels can quickly become a large wildfire, threatening communities and infrastructure,” said Plumas National Forest Fire Chief Martin Senter.

The forest remains under Stage I fire restrictions. Campfires are allowed only at designated recreation sites listed in Exhibit A of the forest order. Campers should fully extinguish fires and make sure they are cold to the touch before leaving.

Residents and visitors should report suspected wildfires immediately by calling 911, before attempting to put them out.