BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. – Cal Fire Butte County Fire Department will stage several small control burns at the Oroville airport starting Monday, June 22.

Originally, Cal Fire had the burns scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday. However, due to the expected heat, crews said the burns will begin today.

Residents can expect to see smoke in the area of the Oroville airport starting around 10 a.m. The fires will occur late morning through early afternoon and will serve as a training ground for a group of firefighters and company officers taking part in a Fire Investigation class.

“This training provides our employees with the skills necessary to perform origin and cause investigations on wildland fires,” said Patrick Purvis, Battalion Chief of the Training, Safety, and EMS Bureau. “The students will learn how to examine fire scenes using the scientific method and use investigation methods applied by wildfire agencies across the country and internationally.”