News Release

 

For Release:  September 17, 2002

Contact:  Jeff Fontana, BLM, (530) 252-5332 or Leona Rodreick, Lassen National Forest,  (530) 252-6605

 

Fire Restrictions Still In Effect

 

The hint of autumn is in the air. Cooler nights and crisp mornings urge people to prepare for winter.  For many people, those preparations include gathering firewood and hunting, and officials at the Susanville Interagency Fire Center (SIFC) remind them that fire restrictions are still in effect on public lands.

 

"We are monitoring the fire danger closely to determine when fire restrictions and woodcutting restrictions can be reduced or eliminated.  To make this decision, we track indicators through our weather stations and fire rating system," said Larry Hood, acting fire management officer for the Lassen National Forest.

 

SIFC officials will continue to monitor all weather conditions, but they said the forecast for the next few weeks does not indicate significant weather changes.

 

Hood commented, "small amounts of rain may help for a few hours or a day, but the effects wear off quickly and the fire danger returns within a day or two.  We need a significant, wide spread, wetting rain to reduce the fire danger."

 

Current fire restrictions have the following provisions:

·        Campfires are allowed in developed campgrounds and recreations areas only.

·        Smoking is allowed in developed campgrounds and in enclosed vehicles only.

·        Vehicles are allowed only on established roads or trails.

·        Firewood cutting is suspended on the Lassen National Forest.

·        BLM allows firewood cutting prior to 1 p.m. daily, and in specific areas.  Call BLM offices in Susanville, Alturas or Cedarville for specific locations and information.

 

Information on current wildland fire dangers and fire restrictions is available from any office of the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.  Local fire departments also have information on fire dangers and fire use restrictions.

-SIFC-

Susanville Interagency Fire Center

California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection - Lassen National Forest

Bureau of Land Management - Lassen Volcanic National Park