About LMU
The Lassen-Modoc-Plumas Unit is located in the northeastern part of the State, consisting of Lassen, Modoc, Plumas and portions of Shasta, and Siskiyou counties. There are a total of 1.6 million acres within the Direct Protection Area of the Unit with an average elevation of 5000'.
Vegetation ranges from ponderosa pines, lodgepole pines, and mixed firs along the west side of the Unit, to sage brush, oaks, and annual grasses mixed with juniper in the desert to the east.
Logging, correctional institutions, and recreation are the major economic contributors to the region. Recreation, although seasonal, flourishes during the spring and summer months.
The Lassen-Modoc-Plumas Unit works closely with other agencies including the Bureau of Land Management, Lassen National Forest, Modoc National Forest, Plumas National Forest, State Department of Fish and Game, Transportation, Highway Patrol, and county and city agencies.
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Need a Burn Permit?
If you need a burn permit, visit our new online permitting site at burnpermit.fire.ca.gov or visit your local station. If no one is available, we apologize; we are out training or on an emergency call and will return as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Lassen Modoc Unit Administration
Chief Packwood began his career with CAL FIRE in 1988, as a Firefighter I in the Lassen Modoc Unit (LMU). In 1994, he promoted to Fire Apparatus Engineer in LMU where he was assigned to the Bieber Battalion, Bieber Helitack and the Susanville Interagency Command Center. In 2000, he promoted to Fire Captain, assigned to Intermountain Conservation Camp. In 2002, Scott transferred to the Shasta Trinity Unit (SHU) as a Heavy Fire Equipment Operator. In 2005, he transferred to a Fire Captain position at the Redding Air Attack base, where he served as an Air Tactical Group Supervisor. He also served a training officer for Shasta County Fire. In 2007, Scott promoted to Battalion Chief in LMU. In 2012, Scott promoted to Division Chief at Intermountain Conservation Camp where he oversaw the Northern Division, CAPCOM, and Fleet Management.
Chief Packwood has been a member of Incident Management teams since 2004, holding a variety of positions. Scott is qualified as a Regional Aviation Coordinator and Hazardous Materials Tech/Specialist. Chief Packwood holds an Associate’s degree in Fire Technology.
The Operations Chief for Lassen-Modoc-Plumas Unit oversees the fire control fleet includes 15 fire engines, three bulldozers, and one helicopter. The fire control staff consists of 120 permanent and approximately 100 seasonal fire fighting employees who staff the Unit's conservation camps, fire stations, helitack base, and the emergency command center.
The Administrative Officer for Lassen-Modoc-Plumas Unit assists the Unit Chief by planning, directing and evaluating administrative work and support services within the Unit including business and personnel management. This person is responsible for supervising the administrative staff, including the Receptionist, Senior Account Clerk, Senior Personnel Specialist, and Forestry Logistics Officer.
LMU Facilities Directory
Unit Statistics
2018 STATISTICS
| Type | Total |
| Wildland Fires | 120 |
| Structure Fires | 68 |
| Other Fires (Vehicle, debris, etc) |
212 |
| Traffic Collisions | 129 |
| Medical Aids | 3,020 |
| Hazardous Materials Spills | 165 |
| Public Assists, (including all other incidents) | 237 |
| TOTAL INCIDENTS | 3,951 |