The Plumas National Forest reports it shifted from Stage II to Stage I fire restrictions Friday, Sept. 27. The forest had been in Stage II fire restrictions since July 11.
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.
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 are exempt.
Chainsaw use for firewood cutting is permitted, but woodcutters need to ensure that they are checking the woodcutting status each day prior to cutting by calling 1-800-847-7766. The latest information on the PNF firewood cutting program is available at 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, California campfire permit holders can use portable campfire pits and stoves or lanterns that use gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel as long as they have working shutoff valves 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 California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection offices or online at https://permit.preventwildfiresca.org/.
“We have been fortunate this year on the Plumas National Forest that despite a more typical summer, there was only one large incident, and that is in large part thanks to the vigilance of our residents and compliance with fire restrictions,” said PNF Acting Fire Management Officer Martin Senter.
“While we are still seeing hot daytime temperatures, there has been enough change in fuel conditions that we can start reducing fire restrictions, but there is still a need to use caution with anything that can spark a wildfire and to make sure campfires are completely out and cold to the touch before leaving,” Senter said. “The continued cooperation of area residents and visitors following the Stage I fire restrictions and helping us prevent human-caused wildfires this fire season is greatly appreciated.”
Area residents and visitors are also reminded that fire danger is a factor throughout the forest, even in recently burned areas.
“We ask that anyone choosing to recreate in an area that has burned in the past six years not only watch for hazards, but also be careful with anything that can spark a wildfire,” Senter said. “Even areas that burned at high intensity like the Camp, North Complex and Dixie fires can burn again.”
Suspected wildfires can be reported by calling 911.
The order is formally referenced as Closure Order Number 05-11-24-03. 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.
More information on the Plumas National Forest is available at www.fs.usda.gov/plumas and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
Information provided by Plumas National Forest
