The Lassen National Forest announces forestwide fire restrictions go into effect today, Monday, Aug. 10. Numerous days with breezy winds, very low humidity and above-average temperatures have stripped much of the moisture from living and dead vegetation, making the forest highly susceptible to wildfire ignitions and extreme fire behavior, said LNF personnel. These weather conditions are expected to persist.
The Plumas National Forest entered Stage II fire restrictions Aug. 5.
“The forest doesn’t typically go into fire restrictions,” said LNF Fire Management Officer Daniel Patterson. “However, this year’s fire danger has reached a particularly high level. The combination of extreme heat and critically dry vegetation has created a highly volatile environment.”
Patterson said implementing these restrictions now is essential to protecting surrounding communities, visitors, firefighters, natural resources and forest infrastructure from a catastrophic wildfire. Fire restrictions are a tool the forest can use to reduce human-caused wildfires during periods of high fire danger.
Patterson said enough firefighting resources are currently available to respond to new fires on the forest and to assist state and local partners, but the additional resources needed for a large incident may not be readily available due to existing wildfires elsewhere in the nation.
During fire restrictions, campfires, stoves and lanterns are allowed only in specific areas and with a valid California campfire permit. Permits can be obtained online or at Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection offices.
Other restricted outdoor activities, except in limited circumstances, include smoking, welding or operating internal combustion engines off roads and trails.
More information about fire restrictions is available in Forest Order No. 06-26-5, on the forest’s Alerts webpage or by calling or visiting any LNF office.
“While the fire restrictions order is currently in effect through Dec. 1, we will consider rescinding it early if we receive adequate fall moisture,” said Acting Forest Supervisor Michael Rahe. “In the meantime, I want to thank everyone visiting or using their national forest for complying with the fire restrictions. Enjoy your public lands, but know that fire restrictions vary by jurisdiction. So follow the fire restrictions in effect for the area you’re in.”
Lassen National Forest information can be found on the forest’s website and Facebook page
