Northeast California fire officials are reminding area residents and visitors to be careful with fire and fireworks when they celebrate Independence Day.
“After our abnormally dry winter, conditions are drying out quickly,” said Gary Zack, a manager at the Susanville Interagency Fire Center. “People need to be extremely careful when camping, driving in the back country and cutting firewood,” he said.
Zack stressed that it is illegal to possess or use fireworks, including those sold at fireworks stands, in national forests, national parks and on Bureau of Land Management public lands. County and city governments have various regulations regarding fireworks, and holiday revelers should be familiar with local laws before purchasing or using the devices.
Those planning camping trips should also follow these fire safety tips:
- Keep campfires small, and completely extinguish them before leaving camp. The best method is to douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again, making sure that all ashes are cold to the touch.
- Charcoal should be soaked in water after use.
- Smokers should light up only in areas cleared of all flammable debris. Cigarette butts should never be thrown from vehicle windows.
- Those exploring the forests and back country in vehicles must stay on established roads and trails and avoid driving over dry brush and grass that could be ignited by hot exhaust systems.
- Firewood cutters should operate chainsaws only in the cool morning hours and keep a shovel and fire extinguisher nearby. Chainsaws must be equipped with spark arresters.
Information on current fire dangers and restrictions on using fires and equipment is available from any office of the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, or CAL FIRE. Local fire departments also have information on fire dangers and restrictions, and local fireworks regulations.
