BLM to conduct prescribed fire in the 'Inimim Forest in Nevada County

Mechanical pile burn operations will improve forest health and reduce wildfire risk

Mar. 17, 2026 at 8:04am

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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) plans to conduct prescribed fire operations in the 'Inimim Forest located east of North Columbia in Nevada County. The prescribed fire is part of the 'Inimim Forest Restoration Project, a multi-year partnership to improve forest health and resiliency, and reduce hazards that can fuel wildland fire. Pile burning operations will consist of approximately 250 acres in the area of Jackass Flats Road, Silverthorne Lane, and Kadaheska Way in the 'Inimim Forest.

Why it matters

The prescribed fire is aimed at protecting communities in the wildland-urban interface and improving fire resiliency in the 'Inimim Forest, which is nearly 2,000 acres of BLM-managed public lands intermingled with private land on the San Juan Ridge. The operations are being closely coordinated with the Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District to minimize any potential impact from smoke.

The details

The mechanical pile burn operations were scheduled to start on Monday, March 16, and may continue through June. Timing of the burn operations will depend on weather conditions, air quality, resource availability and onsite observations. The public is advised to use caution when encountering firefighters working on the roadways and be prepared to stop for firefighters and emergency vehicles. Smoke may be visible from Nevada City, Camptonville and the Upper Ridge area near the North Columbia and North Bloomfield areas.

  • Mechanical pile burn operations were scheduled to start on Monday, March 16, 2026.
  • Pile burning operations may continue through June 2026.

The players

Bureau of Land Management

The federal agency responsible for conducting the prescribed fire operations in the 'Inimim Forest.

Yuba Watershed Institute

A partner organization that performs mechanical treatments with crews and machinery to carefully thin dense hazardous tree covers and underlying brush to improve forest health in the 'Inimim Forest.

Northern Sierra Air Quality Management District

The agency closely coordinating with the BLM to ensure the prescribed fire operations minimize any potential impact from smoke.

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What they’re saying

“This treatment is part of the 'Inimim Forest Restoration Project, a multi-year partnership to improve forest health and resiliency, and reduce hazards that can fuel wildland fire. These efforts will protect communities in the wildland-urban interface and improve fire resiliency.”

— Jeff Horn, Mother Lode Field Manager

The takeaway

The prescribed fire operations in the 'Inimim Forest are a proactive measure to improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and protect nearby communities. By carefully coordinating with local partners and air quality authorities, the BLM is demonstrating a commitment to responsible land management practices that balance environmental protection and public safety.