Butte County to Conduct Prescribed Burn Near Oroville Airport

A planned burn near the Oroville Airport in Butte County is set to take place on Wednesday, June 23, 2026, as part of an ongoing effort to mitigate wildfire risks in the region. The operation, conducted by local fire agencies and land management authorities, will target a designated area adjacent to the airport to clear dry vegetation and create a fuel break.

This controlled burn is intended to reduce the intensity and spread of potential wildfires during the upcoming fire season, which has become increasingly severe in California due to drought conditions and climate change.

The burn zone encompasses roughly 40 acres of grassland and brush, strategically chosen to protect the airport infrastructure and nearby residential communities. Officials have stated that the operation will only proceed if weather conditions, including wind speed and humidity, remain within safe parameters.

Smoke may be visible from surrounding areas, including the city of Oroville and parts of Butte County, but authorities have assured the public that the burn is carefully managed to minimize impacts on air quality and traffic.

Residents are advised to keep windows and doors closed if smoke becomes heavy in their neighborhoods. The Butte County Air Quality Management District is monitoring the situation and will issue updates as needed.

The planned burn is part of a broader strategy by Cal Fire and local agencies to conduct prescribed burns throughout the state to reduce fuel loads and protect communities from catastrophic wildfires. Similar burns have been conducted in other parts of Butte County in recent years, with positive results in limiting fire damage.

The operation is scheduled to begin in the morning and may continue into the afternoon, depending on conditions. Emergency services are on standby, and no road closures are anticipated, though drivers near the airport should be cautious of reduced visibility due to smoke.

This proactive measure underscores the ongoing commitment to wildfire prevention in Butte County, which has experienced devastating fires in the past, including the Camp Fire in 2018.