The Plumas National Forest is moving into Stage II Fire Restrictions this Friday, August 15.
Hot, dry temperatures over the past few weeks are increasing the fire danger. Storms in mid-July provided some relief, but fuels have continued to dry.
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 an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is completely clear of all flammable material.
Additionally, internal combustion engines, such as vehicles and generators, may only be used on designated roads and trails. Boat engines are exempt.
Chainsaw use for firewood cutting is still permitted with an exception that operating a chainsaw 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.
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, stoves or lanterns that use gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel as long as it has a working shut-off 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 CAL FIRE offices or online at https://permit.preventwildfiresca.org/.
“We are in the heart of fire season right now with dry conditions, hot temperatures and receptive fuels,” said Plumas National Forest Fire Management Officer Martin Senter. “With this increased risk of wildfire, we need the public’s help to prevent human-caused wildfires.”
So far, more than 80 percent of wildfires on the Plumas National Forest this year are human caused, an increase from the past few years.
Recently, firefighters are finding more abandoned campfires in the forest and at recreation sites this summer.
“Even if you have a campfire in an allowable recreation area, it is still critical to make sure it is never left unattended, is dead out and cold to the touch before leaving,” Senter said. “This afternoon firefighters discovered and extinguished two illegal campfires under Stage I Fire Restrictions and, as we move into Stage II, it is even more important to help prevent wildfires.”
Suspected wildfires can be reported by calling 911.
The order is formally referenced as Closure Order Number 05-11-25-03. 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 6 months, or both.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
