Pile Burning Operations Planned Near Mohawk Vista and Graeagle

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Firefighters are planning to resume pile burning operations this week on the Plumas National Forest Beckwourth Ranger District near Mohawk Vista and Graeagle, California. Approximately 15 acres of hand piles north of Highway 70 near Mohawk Vista are planned for ignition on February 25th, and about 1 acre of large machine piles on Grizzly Ridge will be treated on February 27th if conditions remain favorable.

Why it matters

Pile burning is a common forest management practice used to reduce wildfire fuel loads, but it can also create visible smoke that may impact nearby communities and travelers on highways. Coordinating these operations and communicating with the public is important for public safety and awareness.

The details

The planned pile burning operations will take place on the Plumas National Forest Beckwourth Ranger District. Firefighters will be igniting approximately 15 acres of hand piles located north of California State Highway 70 near Mohawk Vista, as well as about 1 acre of large machine piles on Grizzly Ridge. Smoke from the burning is expected to be visible in the area but not have significant long-term impacts on nearby communities or travelers on Highways 70 and 89.

• The pile burning operations are planned to begin on February 25, 2026.
• The 15-acre hand pile burning near Mohawk Vista is scheduled for February 25, 2026.
• The 1-acre machine pile burning on Grizzly Ridge is scheduled for February 27, 2026.

What’s next

Firefighters will be monitoring weather conditions throughout the operations, and burning will stop if unfavorable conditions such as increased or gusty winds develop in the area.