QUINCY — The Plumas National Forest is shifting from Stage II to Stage I Fire Restrictions today, Friday, September 27. The Forest has been in Stage II Fire Restrictions since July 11.

In Stage I Fire Restrictions, campfires are only allowed in specific designated recreation sites, in established campfire rings. Sites are listed in Exhibit A of the closure order.

Smoking is only allowed within an enclosed vehicle or building, in one of the designated recreation sites listed in Exhibit A, or an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is completely clear of all flammable material.

Additionally, internal combustion engines, such as vehicles and generators, may only be used on designated roads and trails. Boat engines are exempt.

Chainsaw use for firewood is still permitted, but woodcutters need to ensure that they are checking the Woodcutting Status each day prior to cutting by calling 1-800-847-7766. For the latest information on the Plumas National Forest firewood cutting program, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/plumas/passes-permits/forestproducts.

Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame is prohibited.

Possession of a valid California Campfire Permit is not an exemption from the prohibitions. However, California Campfire Permit holders can use portable campfire pits, stoves or lanterns that use gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel as long as it has a working shut-off valve and is used in an area that is at least 3 feet from any flammable materials.

California Campfire Permits are free and available at Forest Service and CAL Fire offices or online at https://permit.preventwildfiresca.org/.

“We have been fortunate this year on the Plumas National Forest that despite a more typical summer, there was only one large incident, and that is in large part thanks to the vigilance of our residents and compliance with fire restrictions,” said Plumas National Forest Acting Fire Management Officer Martin Senter.

“While we are still seeing hot daytime temperatures, there has been enough change in fuel conditions that we can start reducing fire restrictions, but there is still a need to use caution with anything that can spark a wildfire and to make sure campfires are completely out and cold to the touch before leaving,” Senter said. “The continued cooperation of area residents and visitors following the Stage 1 Fire Restrictions and helping us prevent human-caused wildfires this fire season is greatly appreciated.”

Area residents and visitors are also reminded that fire danger is a factor throughout the Forest, even in recently burned areas.

“We ask that anyone choosing to recreate in an area that has burned in the past 6 years not only watch for hazards, but also be careful with anything that can spark a wildfire,” Senter said. “Even areas that burned at high intensity like the Camp, North Complex and Dixie fires can burn again.”

Suspected wildfires can be reported by calling 911.

The order is formally referenced as Closure Order Number 05-11-24-03. Violations of the prohibitions are 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.

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