BLM AND LASSEN NATIONAL FOREST LIFT FIRE RESTRICTIONS

The Lassen National Forest and the Bureau of Land Management will lift fire restrictions beginning midnight, Thursday, Sept. 15, in northeastern California and extreme northwest Nevada.

Lifting of restrictions means that campfires can again be used outside of developed campgrounds and recreation sites (permits are required), and that chainsaws can again be used all day on National Forest lands and public lands managed by the BLM.

The recent cooler weather, rain, and snow in higher elevations have encouraged officials to evaluate the current situation and lift all fire restrictions.

"We reviewed the numbers from our current data for weather, live and dead fuel moistures, and the numbers indicated that we could lift restrictions," commented Mike Holmes, fuels officer for the Lassen National Forest. "However, this does not mean that the fire danger does not exist. We are still in fire season and conditions are dry. We still have the potential for large fires."

Fire officials remind wildland visitors to keep campfires small and be sure they are dead out and cold to the touch before leaving camp. Vehicles may be driven off road, however, drivers should keep vehicles away from tall grasses and brush, which could be ignited by hot exhaust systems. Woodcutting is allowed on federal lands and the 1p.m. (hoot owl) restriction will be lifted. Woodcutters need to have woodcutting permits, and chainsaws must be equipped with spark arresters.

Fire restrictions remain in effect on some neighboring BLM-managed public lands and national forests. Visitors should check with a BLM or Forest Service office if they plan to use public lands outside of the northeast California region.

For more information on fire restrictions in northeast California and northwest Nevada, contact BLM offices in Susanville (257-5381), Alturas (233-4666) or Cedarville (279-6101) or the Lassen National Forest (257-2151).

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