Stage I Fire Restrictions - Plumas National Forest

USDA Forest Service
Plumas National Forest

Fire Use Restrictions - Stage I

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Plumas National Forest.  This Order is effective from 2:00 p.m. on September 4, 2026, through November 1, 2026. 

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except in the Designated Recreation Sites listed in Exhibit A.  36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
    
2. Using an explosive.  36 C.F.R. § 261.52(b).
    
3. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, the Designated Recreation Sites listed in Exhibit A, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.  36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).
    
4. Entering an area without any firefighting tool.  At a minimum a hand tool, for example a shovel, and at least one gallon of water and/or a fire extinguisher.  
   36 C.F.R. § 261.52(f).
    
5. Operating an internal combustion engine off National Forest System roads and trails, other than boats on a water surface.  36 C.F.R. § 261.52(g).
    
6. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.  
   36 C.F.R. § 261.52(h).

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Any Federal, State or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
    
2. Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above. However, persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may use the following devices in an area at least three feet from any flammable materials as long as the device has a working shut-off valve: A portable campfire pit that uses gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel; a stove that uses gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel; a lantern that uses gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel; or a wood pellet fueled grill or device with a functional on-off switch.
    
3. Persons with a special use permit from the Forest Service for a recreation residence on the Plumas National Forest are exempt from Prohibitions 1 and 3 while they are at the recreation residence.
    
4. Resorts and educational centers operating under a special use permit from the Forest Service on the Plumas National Forest are exempt from Prohibitions 1 and 3 while resort or center staff are present.
    
5. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.
    
6. Persons with a valid 2026 Forest Products Removal Permit (firewood permit) issued by the Plumas National Forest are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above, but may operate a chainsaw with an internal combustion engine off National Forest System roads and trails only to the extent necessary to cut firewood, provided the cutting of firewood is done in compliance with the terms of the permit.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions contained in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.

A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both.  16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581. 

Executed in Quincy, California, this 4th day of September 2026.

Wade McMaster
Acting Forest Supervisor
Plumas National Forest
Pacific Southwest Region

This Order supersedes Forest Order No. 05-11-26-03, executed August 4, 2026.

Forest Order No. 05-11-26-04
Plumas National Forest
Fire Use Restrictions (Stage I)

Exhibit A

Designated Recreation Sites