Fire Safety Reminders for Six Rivers National Forest Lands

Press release from the Six Rivers National Forest:

 As summer heats up and we head into the July 4^th holiday weekend, the Six Rivers National Forest reminds everyone that fire restrictions are in effect for the forest. These restrictions, which have already been in effect for a month, are in place to protect forest visitors, communities, employees and natural resources.

According to Interagency Fire Chief Josh Mathieson, “Every unwanted wildfire causes needless damage and during this COVID-19 pandemic, increases virus exposure to our firefighters and the public.”

Fire restrictions prohibit 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.

Where can I have a campfire?

Campfires are allowed in developed campgrounds without a permit. Outside of developed campgrounds, visitors may have a campfire in designated fire-safe sites (https://go.usa.gov/xweKX) and Six Rivers’ wilderness areas (portions of the Siskiyou, Trinity Alps, Yolla-Bolly, and Marble Mountain wilderness areas, and all of the North Fork Wilderness), but will need to obtain a FREE campfire permit.

With a FREE campfire permit, available online at www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit, visitors may use a portable campfire pit, stove or lantern that uses gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel, with a shut-off valve, in an area at least three feet from any flammable materials.

The public is encouraged to visit www.preventwildfireca.org to learn more about wildland fire awareness, fire prevention and how to protect homes and communities from wildfire and how to exercise safe campfire practices.

What about fireworks?

In addition to fire restrictions, a reminder that all fireworks, including California’s “Safe and Sane” fireworks, are prohibited on national forest lands. This prohibition is strictly enforced to protect public and natural resources.

Communities near the forest’s four ranger stations—Gasquet, Orleans, Willow Creek and Mad River—do not have public fireworks displays. The only community in the area that will have a public fireworks display this year is Fortuna, on Friday, July 3.

While all forest offices remain closed, fire prevention patrols, crews and engines, as well as law enforcement officers, will be on duty over the holiday weekend. In addition, the Six Rivers National Forest continues to recommend that everyone recreate locally and practice self-sufficiency during visits to the forest, ensuring access to recreational facilities, services and opportunities continues.