Plumas National Forest reports that area fire danger is increasing despite a delay due to historic winter conditions, a wet spring, and lingering snowpack. Hot summer weather is forecasted to continue in the area and fuel conditions across the forest are drying. Thus, PNF has announced the start of Stage I fire restrictions starting Aug. 4.
“We were extremely fortunate to have a later spring delay fire season a bit,” said PNF Assistant Fire Management Officer Mitch Wilson. “The Plumas National Forest has experienced tremendous impacts from wildfire over the past five years. The continued cooperation of area residents and visitors following the Stage 1 fire restrictions and helping us prevent human-caused wildfires this fire season is greatly appreciated.”
Wilson pointed out that fire danger is still a factor, even in recently burned areas.
“Even areas that burned at high intensity can burn again. … The continued cooperation of area residents and visitors … is greatly appreciated.”
Mitch Wilson
“We ask that anyone choosing to recreate in a recently burned area not only watch for hazards, but also be careful with anything that can spark a wildfire. Even areas that burned at high intensity can burn again,” Wilson said. Suspected wildfires can be reported by calling 911.
Under Stage I fire restrictions, campfires are only allowed in specific designated recreation sites, in established campfire rings. Sites are listed in Exhibit A of the closure order (see table).
Smoking is only allowed within an enclosed vehicle or building, in one of the designated recreation sites listed in Exhibit A, or in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is completely clear of all flammable material.
Additionally, internal combustion engines, such as in vehicles and generators, may only be used on designated roads and trails. Boat engines are exempt. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame is prohibited.
Chainsaw use for firewood cutting is still permitted, but woodcutters need to ensure that they are checking the woodcutting status each day prior to cutting by calling 1-800-847-7766. For the latest information on the Plumas National Forest firewood cutting program, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/plumas/passes-permits/forestproducts.
Possession of a valid California campfire permit is not an exemption from the prohibitions. However, California campfire permit holders may use portable campfire pits, stoves, or lanterns that use gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel as long as it has a working shutoff valve and is used in an area that is at least 3 feet from any flammable materials. California campfire permits are free and available at Forest Service and CalFire offices or online at https://permit.preventwildfiresca.org/.
The fire restriction order is formally referenced as Closure Order Number 05-11-23-01. Violations of the prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas, or follow on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
