Magalia–Stirling City Skyway: County Launches Fuel-Reduction Work Along 12-Mile Corridor

MAGALIA, Butte County — A county project addresses a critical travel corridor for communities on the Upper Ridge. In a March 23, 2026 announcement, Butte County Public Works described plans for hazardous-vegetation reduction along approximately 12 miles of Skyway between Magalia and Stirling City.

What is the goal?

According to the county announcement, the project is funded through a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and focuses on vegetation within the county right-of-way. Removing brush, small trees and ladder fuels is intended to reduce the spread and severity of roadside wildfire and improve conditions on a key evacuation corridor.

What has been planned for the Upper Ridge?

The county’s Upper Ridge Community Plan addresses Magalia and Paradise Pines, including land use, housing, community facilities and emergency access following the 2018 Camp Fire. It considers more than one route and measures to reduce potential bottlenecks, but conceptual routes are not proof that a road has been widened or is ready for evacuating traffic.

Know your zone, not just your road

Butte County provides an Upper Ridge evacuation map and links to evacuation zones and emergency alerts. Residents should identify the zone for home, work and family members and sign up for official warnings. Conditions can change rapidly; follow public safety directions during an active incident.

This article reports the county’s project announcement, not a claim that all 12 miles of treatment are already complete. For roadwork timing, lane effects and project milestones, consult Butte County Public Works updates.

Image credit: Illustrative evergreen forest photograph: Fabio Sasso / Unsplash. Not a photograph of the Skyway treatment area.

Sources: Butte County Public Works March 2026 announcement; Upper Ridge Community Plan; evacuation maps.

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