(Cal Fire release) – CAL FIRE/Butte County Fire Department will be conducting a 21-acre control burn at the Magalia Fire Center at 6640 Steiffer Road on Tuesday, October 15th, beginning at 8:00 a.m. The control burn will provide hazard reduction for the area surrounding the facility and live fire training for the CAL FIRE/CCC Fire Hand Crews. There will be numerous Fire Engines and Hand Crews in attendance to support the operation. “The opportunity to combine firefighter training and hazard reduction, in this controlled environment, is a great benefit to our employees and the eco system”, stated Battalion Chief Jeff Edson.

The residential burn suspension remains in effect in Butte County. This prescribed burn is being conducted in accordance with section 4423.2 of the Public Resources Code where CAL FIRE may issue restricted temporary burning permits whenever it can be shown that burning or use of open fire is essential for reasons of public health, safety, or welfare. Prescribed burns are essential for reducing fire fuels in areas of Butte County that are susceptible to fire and can lead to larger campaign fires. The safety of the community and surrounding areas is our top priority.

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. Smoke from this control burn may be visible in the Upper Ridge area into the early afternoon hours.