Public reminded to help prevent wildfires on the Plumas National Forest

QUINCY, Calif., July 8, 2025 — Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest are asking the public to be more careful and help prevent wildfires following numerous abandoned campfires across the Forest from the holiday weekend. 

Approximately 46 abandoned campfires were reported across the Forest in developed recreation sites, but there were likely more that firefighters put out.

For firefighters on the Mount Hough Ranger District, the most significant was at Gansner Bar where an abandoned campfire managed to expand to 25-by-25 feet.

On the Beckwourth Ranger District, the most challenging was at Frenchman Lake Recreation Area where a Plumas County Sheriff’s Office patrol boat was used to access an abandoned campfire on the beach.  The fire was outside the campground area and someone pulled boulders out of the way and drove cross-country illegally to access the site.

“One of the most basic parts of camping safety and fire prevention is campfires and making sure they are put out completely before leaving,” said Plumas National Forest Fire Management Officer Martin Senter. “While we normally find a few abandoned campfires after summer holiday weekends, the number this weekend was excessive and deeply concerning.”

Fire patrols, firefighters and law enforcement officers were patrolling the Forest throughout the holiday weekend and working with partners on fire response and prevention.

“We want to thank the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office for the assistance at Frenchman Lake to access and extinguish the abandoned campfire, as well as their ongoing support,” Senter said.

Weather will be heating up in the coming days with highs in the upper 90s to 100s in the mountains starting Thursday into early next week.  The hot weather will continue to dry fuels, increasing the risk of wildfire.

“Human-caused wildfires are preventable, especially when some care is used to make sure campfires are out, that equipment is in proper condition and secured and being safe while recreating or working in the forest,” Senter said. 

To reduce the risk of wildfire, area residents and visitors are advised to do the following:

• Before going camping, check to see if fire restrictions are in place and never leave a campfire unattended.
• Build campfires in cleared open areas and keep water and a shovel nearby. Make sure campfires are out and cool to the touch before leaving the area.
• Consider alternatives to a campfire, such as a portable camp stove.
• If you are using charcoal, make sure you drown and stir them, repeating until they are cold to the touch.
• Avoid driving and parking in tall grass or on roads with heavy, fine fuel accumulations. Exhaust particles, hot exhaust pipes and hot catalytic converters can start grass fires in a matter of seconds.
• Maintain proper tire pressure. Ensure tires are in good condition with solid tread and no cracking in the walls. Driving on exposed wheel rims can throw sparks.
• Secure chains properly from trailers or other equipment. Sparks from dragging chains, and exhaust from ATVs and motorcycles, can start grass fires.
• Ensure spark arresters are clean and in working order. Spark arresters are required on all recreational and portable gasoline-powered equipment.
• Carry firefighting equipment in vehicles, including a shovel, at least one gallon of water or one 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.

Report suspected wildfires immediately by calling 911, even before starting suppression activities.  Many cellphones, even in areas without service, still have 911 or emergency capabilities to call for help.

For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas. 

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