News Release

Susanville Interagency Fire Center
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection - Lassen National Forest
Bureau of Land Management - Lassen Volcanic National Park

For Release: Aug. 29, 2001
Contact: Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332 or Leona Rodreick (530) 252-6605

HUNTERS REMINDED THAT CAMPFIRE RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT
Visitors Must Also Stay Out of Burned Areas

With the hottest part of northern California's fire season now in full swing, drought conditions worsening, and various hunting seasons beginning, fire officials are reminding hunters that fire restrictions remain in effect. Campfires are not allowed in the back country.

"Hunters need to remember that under these restrictions, campfires are allowed only in developed, posted campgrounds," said Jim Brown, fire management officer for the Bureau of Land Management in northern California. "It is very important that people pay attention to these restrictions. An escaped campfire or just an ember from a cigarette can cause a huge wild fire."

The fire restrictions are in place for national forests and BLM-managed public lands across northern California. Specifically, the restrictions:

• Prohibit campfires outside of developed, designated campgrounds and recreation areas. Portable stoves using gas, pressurized fuel or jellied petroleum are allowed, but a campfire permit is required.
• Limit motor vehicles to existing roads and trails.
• Restrict smoking to developed recreation sites and enclosed vehicles.

Fire dangers are extreme across northeast California and in northwest Nevada. Record-setting summer heat and months without measurable rain have caused extremely dry vegetation. Fuel moisture readings and other indicators show that the region is in extreme drought condition. Brown said the potential for aggressive, fast-moving fires will be present until significant rainfall occurs.

In addition to being careful with fire, officials at the BLM are reminding hunters and other wildland visitors to stay off of areas burned in recent fires. The X5b deer zone is of particular concern. Last summer's Observation Fire, and this year's Rush Fire burned nearly 80,000 acres, leaving soils and emerging plants vulnerable to vehicle damage. It is critical for vehicles to stay out of the areas to allow the land to heal, the BLM advised.

More information on the fire restrictions and fire safety is available by contacting any office of the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service, Lassen Volcanic National Park, or the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.