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Fire restrictions go into effect for Six Rivers National Forest
Release Date: Jul 18, 2018
EUREKA, Calif. – Acting Six Rivers National Forest Supervisor Elizabeth “Liz” Berger announced today that fire restrictions will go into effect on Friday, July 20. Implementing fire restrictions helps minimize the potential for human-caused wildland fire starts.
While lightning is the number one cause of fires on the Six Rivers National Forest, human-caused fires, which are preventable, are a major concern. Human-caused fires range from escaped campfires, careless smokers, equipment use, vehicle exhaust and catalytic converters, to fireworks and children playing with matches. “Over the weekend, the forest and much of northern California received numerous lightning strikes,” said Berger. “While our fire restrictions can’t prevent lightning fires, they certainly can help prevent human-caused fires.”
Fire restrictions on the Six Rivers National Forest:
- Limit open campfires to developed recreation sites, designated fire-safe sites and the Siskiyou and Trinity Alps wilderness areas. See the attached map for locations.
- Permits are not required in developed recreation sites; however, a free California campfire permit is required for fires in designated fire-safe sites and the wilderness areas. Permits may be obtained at any forest office or online at www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfires/.
- Limit smoking to enclosed vehicles, buildings, developed recreation sites, and within designated fire-safe sites.
- Prohibit operation of internal combustion engines except on National Forest System roads or designated trails.
- Prohibit welding or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame; and
Exemptions to these restrictions include:
- Lanterns or portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid with a valid free California campfire permit (www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfires/). Barbeque grills using briquettes are not allowed.
- Chainsaws for fuelwood gathering within the terms of a valid fuelwood-cutting permit. Fuelwood- cutting permits are available at any Six Rivers National Forest office.
Additional restrictions may be implemented as the summer progresses, especially if hot, dry conditions persist, leading to increased fire danger.
Anyone in violation of these prohibitions may be subject to a fine, six months in jail, or both. If a person is found to have caused a wildfire, they may be held liable for firefighting and resource damage costs and any injuries that occur.
Similar restrictions are also in effect on the neighboring Mendocino, Shasta-Trinity and Klamath national forests. Since restrictions can vary by forest, visitors should contact the national forest they plan on visiting for the latest fire restrictions and conditions.
For more information about local conditions, call or visit any Six Rivers National Forest office:
Forest Supervisor’s Office 1330 Bayshore Way, Eureka, CA (707) 442-1721 Gasquet Ranger District/Smith River National Recreation Area 1 0600 Highway 199, Gasquet, CA (707) 457-3131 Orleans Ranger District 1 Ishi Pishi Road, Orleans, CA (530) 627-3291 Lower Trinity Ranger District 580 State Highway 96, Willow Creek, CA (530) 629-2118 Mad River Ranger District 741 State Highway 36, Mad River, CA (707) 574-6233To learn more about how everyone can do their part to prevent unwanted wildfires from threatening our communities, the forest joined forces with Humboldt County, CALFIRE, and community organizations to develop and publish the second edition of Living with Wildfire in Northwestern California. The magazine is available online at www.fs.usda.gov/detail/srnf/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD541187 and at any Six Rivers National Forest office.