Due to weeks of high temperatures and dry conditions increasing wildfire danger, the Plumas National Forest officially moved into Stage II Fire Restrictions on Wednesday, August 5th.
Under Stage II restrictions, campfires are strictly limited to designated recreation sites with an active campground host and must be kept within built-in fire rings.
A standard California Campfire Permit does not override these restrictions. However, permit holders may still utilize portable gas, kerosene, pressurized liquid fuel, or jellied petroleum stoves, lanterns, and wood-pellet grills with operational shut-off switches, provided they are set up in an area cleared of flammable materials within a three-foot radius.
Free permits can be obtained online or at Forest Service and CAL FIRE offices.
Additional restrictions currently in effect include:
Smoking: Permitted only within enclosed buildings or vehicles, at designated recreation sites, or in cleared areas measuring at least three feet in diameter.
Engine Operation: Internal combustion engines, including motor vehicles and generators, are restricted to designated roads and trails. Boat motors are exempt from this requirement.
Firewood Cutting: Chainsaw operation for firewood gathering remains allowed provided off-trail use is minimal. Cutting status must be checked daily prior to operation by calling 1.800.847.7766.
Welding & Torches: Welding, acetylene cutting, and other open-flame torch operations are completely prohibited across the forest.
Forest fire officials emphasized that hot, dry conditions have made local forest fuels exceptionally susceptible to fire spread. Nearly all wildfires reported on the Plumas National Forest so far this season have been human-caused, largely attributed to unattended campfires and non-compliant burn piles.
Visitors and residents are urged to exercise extreme caution and immediately report any sign of smoke or fire by calling 911.
