38-Acre Pile Burn Planned Near Camptonville on Feb. 12

Tahoe National Forest to conduct prescribed fire operation, citing fire hazard reduction and habitat enhancement as goals.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Tahoe National Forest plans to begin ignitions on a 38-acre pile burn near Camptonville, California on February 12, 2026, conditions permitting. The prescribed fire operation is part of the North Yuba Piles FY26 project and aims to decrease fire hazards and reintroduce fire into the local fire-adapted ecosystem.

Why it matters

Prescribed burns are a common forest management tool used to reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires by removing excess vegetation and woody debris. This particular burn near Camptonville will help mitigate fire danger in the area and provide ecological benefits by enhancing wildlife habitat.

The details

The 38-acre pile burn will take place in sections T19N R8E 24 and T19N R8E 26. Smoke from the prescribed fire may be visible from Highway 49 and Pendola Extension Road, and could potentially impact the nearby communities of Camptonville and areas around Pendola. Forest officials will coordinate with local air pollution control districts and closely monitor weather conditions before igniting the larger area.

  • The prescribed burn is planned for February 12, 2026, conditions permitting.
  • Smoke may continue for several days after the initial ignition, depending on project size and environmental conditions.

The players

Tahoe National Forest

A national forest managed by the U.S. Forest Service, located in northern California.

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What’s next

The Tahoe National Forest will continue to monitor weather conditions and coordinate with local air quality agencies in the days leading up to the prescribed burn.

The takeaway

Prescribed fires like this one near Camptonville are an important tool for forest managers to reduce wildfire risks and maintain healthy, fire-adapted ecosystems. While smoke may be visible in the area for several days, the long-term benefits of this operation outweigh the temporary inconvenience.