EUREKA, California, July 12, 2017 – Acting Six Rivers National Forest Supervisor Michael Green announced today that fire restrictions will go into effect on Friday, July 14. Implementing fire restrictions helps minimize the potential for human-caused wildland fire starts.

While lightning is the number one cause of fires on the forest, human-caused fires are a major concern. Human-caused fires, which range from escaped campfires, careless smokers, equipment use, vehicle exhaust, catalytic converters, or children playing with matches, are preventable. “Fire restrictions can’t prevent lightning fires, but they certainly can help prevent human-caused fires,” said Michael.

He added, “We all need to be responsible with fire, but especially during this hot, dry time of year, when the fire danger increases. All it takes is one spark or one unattended campfire to start a wildfire.”

Fire restrictions on the Six Rivers National Forest:

• Limit open campfires to developed recreation sites, designated fire-safe sites and the Siskiyou and Trinity Alps wilderness areas. See the attached map for locations.

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

• Limit smoking to enclosed vehicles, buildings, developed recreation sites, and within designated fire-safe sites.
• Prohibit operation of internal combustion engines except on National Forest System roads or designated trails.
• Prohibit welding or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
• Prohibit the use of explosives.

Exemptions to these restrictions include:

• Lanterns or portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid with a valid free California campfire permit (www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfires/). Barbeque grills using briquettes are not allowed.
• Chainsaws for fuelwood gathering within the terms of a valid fuelwood-cutting permit. Fuelwood-cutting permits are available at any Six Rivers National Forest office.

Additional restrictions may be implemented as the summer progresses, especially if hot, dry conditions persist, leading to increased fire danger.

Similar restrictions are also in effect on the neighboring Mendocino, Shasta-Trinity and Klamath national forests. Since restrictions can vary by forest, visitors should contact the national forest they plan on visiting for the latest fire restrictions and conditions.

Anyone in violation of these prohibitions may be subject to a fine, six months in jail, or both. If a person is found to have caused a wildfire, they may be held liable for firefighting and resource damage costs and any injuries that occur.

For more information about local conditions, call or visit any Six Rivers National Forest office:

• Forest Supervisor’s Office
  1330 Bayshore Way, Eureka, CA
  (707) 442-1721
• Gasquet Ranger District/Smith River National Recreation Area
  10600 Highway 199, Gasquet, CA
  (707) 457-3131
• Orleans Ranger District
  Highway 96, Orleans, CA
  (530) 627-3291
• Lower Trinity Ranger District
  Highway 96, Willow Creek, CA
  (530) 629-2118
• Mad River Ranger District
  741 State Highway 36, Mad River, CA
  (707) 574-6233.