Six Rivers Takes Steps to Reduce Human-Caused Wildfires

Wildfire [Photo by Mark McKenna]

The Six Rivers National Forest is enacting fire restrictions to protect the health and safety of employees and communities, effective immediately until further notice.

According to Forest Supervisor Ted McArthur, “We’re taking this step much earlier than normal, but it’s necessary to protect our employees, our communities and forest resources.”

Ninety-five (95) percent of all wildfires in California are human-caused. “Reducing the number of human-caused fires on the forest ensures our firefighters are available to safely respond and manage other incidents,” added McArthur.

Under these fire restrictions, igniting, building, maintaining, or using a fire outside of developed recreation sites, designated fire-safe sites, and wilderness areas within the boundaries of the Six Rivers National Forest, will be prohibited. Specifically, fire restrictions on the forest:

• Limit open campfires to developed recreation sites, designated fire-safe sites and wilderness areas within the boundaries of the forest. See the attached list and map for locations.

Permits are not required in developed recreation sites; however, a free California campfire permit is required for fires in designated fire-safe sites and the wilderness areas. Permits may be obtained online at www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfires/.

• Limit smoking to enclosed vehicles or building, in areas at least three feet in diameter that are barren or cleared of all flammable material, developed recreation sites, and within designated fire-safe sites. See the attached list and map for locations.
• Prohibit operation of internal combustion engines except off paved, gravel, or dirt National Forest System roads and trails, and boats on a water surface.
• Prohibit welding or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame.

General exemptions to these restrictions include:

• Using lanterns or portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid, in an area at least three feet from any flammable materials, with a valid free California campfire permit (www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfires/). Barbeque grills using briquettes are not allowed.
• Using chainsaws for fuelwood gathering within the terms of a valid fuelwood-cutting permit, or persons operating under the Forest Service waiver of fuelwood permits for personal-use.

Additional exemptions may be found in attached Forest Order 20-01-001.

“With an above-normal fire season projected for much of California, anything we can do to keep our firefighters and communities safe, is a step in the right direction,” said McArthur.

For more information about fire restrictions on the Six Rivers National Forest, contact Josh Mathiesen, fire management officer, at (530) 949-5294.