Plumas National Forest announces it is moving into Stage II fire restrictions Friday, July 12.
Continued high temperatures and dry conditions have increased the fire danger in recent weeks. This weekend the forecast includes continued heat advisories and excessive heat warnings in the area, as well as an increased risk of strong, gusty winds that can rapidly spread fire.
In Stage II fire restrictions, campfires are only allowed in specific designated recreation sites with a campground host, in established campfire rings. Sites are listed in Exhibit A of the closure order.
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 those in vehicles and generators, may only be used on designated roads and trails. Boat engines on water are exempt.
Chainsaw use for firewood cutting is still permitted with an expectation that chainsaw operation off designated roads and trails is minimal. 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.
Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame is prohibited.
Possession of a valid California campfire permit is not an exemption from the prohibitions. However, permit holders can use portable campfire pits, stoves or lanterns that use gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel as long as they have a working shutoff valve and are 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 Cal Fire offices or online at https://permit.preventwildfiresca.org/.
“The Plumas National Forest has experienced tremendous impacts from wildfire over the past five years,” said Plumas National Forest Assistant Fire Management Officer Mitch Wilson. “We have had extended staffing and our wildland firefighters have been responding to numerous incidents in the forest over the past several weeks, as well as supporting our partners and neighbors with mutual aid and agency assists.”
While not a regular occurrence, expanded staffing of all resources has been an investment by the Plumas National Forest this fire season to help ensure a rapid wildfire response during the prolonged heat and periods of high recreation use.
The last time the Plumas National Forest started Stage II fire restrictions was Aug. 4, 2022.
“By helping prevent human-caused wildfires, we are not only protecting the forest and communities from the risk of wildfire, but also allowing wildland firefighters to focus on wildfire response,” Wilson said. “We appreciate the cooperation of area residents and visitors following the Stage II fire restrictions and helping us prevent human-caused wildfires this fire season.”
Suspected wildfires can be reported by calling 911.
The order is formally referenced as Closure Order No. 05-11-24-02. Violations of the prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
Information provided by Plumas National Forest
