Crews Getting Ready for Increasing Fire Risk

With Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, area fire agencies are cautioning northstate residents and visitors to be careful with any outdoor use of fire.

Officials at the Susanville Interagency Fire Center (SIFC) said vegetation is drying quickly due to light winter precipitation and recent warm and windy days.

As the holiday weekend approaches SIFC agencies - the Lassen National Forest, Bureau of Land Management, CAL FIRE, and Lassen Volcanic National Park – will increase staff and continue opening fire stations that had been closed over the winter.

"It's important to begin incorporating fire safe practices into all your outdoor activities," said Jim Hedges, a co-manager at SIFC. Hedges suggested that spring is a good time to:

• Clear vegetation and create "defensible space" around homes and property. Details on defensible space can be found online at www.firewise.org.
• Complete mowing and burning projects early and only on calm days. Adhere to hours and conditions on burning permits.
• Plan outdoor trips, such a fishing, camping, firewood cutting and back country exploring with fire safety in mind.  Be equipped with a bucket and shovel. Be sure campfires are dead out when retiring or breaking camp.
• Complete firewood cutting early in the day, ensuring that chainsaws have properly functioning spark arresters.

Officials at Lassen Volcanic National Park remind visitors that campfires are allowed only in fire rings provided in designated campgrounds. Back country fires are not allowed.

Fire restrictions are not yet in place for the Lassen National Forest on BLM-managed public lands, but they could be implemented when fire dangers increase this summer.

Area residents should also remember that debris burning permits have been required since May 1, and will be suspended July 1. Burn permit information is available from local fire departments, CAL FIRE, BLM offices and Lassen National Forest Ranger District offices.

Susanville Interagency Fire Center