Forest officials have announced that fire restrictions will go into effect on the Lassen National Forest beginning Tuesday, July 1st.
The restrictions address campfire use, off-road driving, smoking, wood cutting, and other activities on the Forest. Such restrictions are ordered every year when the temperatures rise and cause the forest to dry out and become much more susceptible to wildfires.
“Fire restrictions are inconvenient necessities that protect our national forests from human-caused wildfires during severe dry conditions, such as we are currently experiencing throughout California,” said Kit Mullen, Lassen National Forest Acting Forest Supervisor.
“I encourage everyone to enjoy the Forest with fire safety and protection in mind,” added Mullen, who would also like to remind Forest visitors that possession or use of fireworks on National Forest lands is illegal year-round.
Highlights of the restrictions that go into effect July 1st include:
- Open fires are prohibited outside of designated, developed campgrounds and recreation sites, even with a valid California campfire permit. However, lanterns and portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel may be used with a valid California campfire permit.
- Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated recreation site.
- Operating an internal combustion engine is prohibited, except within designated recreation sites.
- Using a motor vehicle is allowed only on established Forest System roads and trails or within designated recreation sites.
Also, under the restrictions, use of chainsaws for woodcutting by individuals with a valid fuelwood permit is allowed beginning at daylight up until 1:00 p.m. (a provision known as ‘hoot owl’). Chainsaws must have spark arresters, and woodcutters are required to have both a shovel and fire extinguisher on hand.
Fire officials urge woodcutters to cut firewood early in the day. As the fire danger increases, woodcutting on the Forest could be suspended.
For exemptions and a full description of the fire restrictions, you may go online to http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices.
Additional information is also available by contacting any Forest office:
Forest Headquarters (530) 257-2151
Almanor Ranger District (530) 258-2141
Eagle Lake Ranger District (530) 257-4188
Hat Creek Ranger District (530) 336-5521
