The 4th of July holiday weekend is always busy in the local communities and at recreation sites in and around the Plumas National Forest, whether it is attending a special event or camping and enjoying one of the scenic areas or lakes.
The public is asked to help make sure the fun isn’t interrupted with human-caused wildfires.
As a reminder, all fireworks are prohibited on National Forest System lands, including the Plumas National Forest and developed recreation sites. This includes poppers, sparklers and other fireworks. Other explosives are also prohibited, including exploding targets like Tannerite.
There is a slight chance of thunderstorms this afternoon and temperatures are predicted to be just above average through the weekend.
The National Weather Service in Reno issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low humidity from 10 a.m. to midnight tomorrow. This includes the eastern edge of the Plumas National Forest and the part of the Forest in Lassen County.
Since January, the Plumas National Forest has had approximately 30 human-caused wildfires, with those fires increasing over the past several weeks. This is also an increase compared to 16 human-caused wildfires in 2024 and 11 in 2023 for the first six months of each of those years.
To reduce the risk of wildfire, area residents and visitors are advised to do the following:
Report suspected wildfires immediately by calling 911, even before starting suppression activities. Many cellphones, even in areas without service, still have 911 or emergency capabilities to call for help.
Hope everyone has a happy, safe and memorable holiday weekend!
The public is asked to help make sure the fun isn’t interrupted with human-caused wildfires.
As a reminder, all fireworks are prohibited on National Forest System lands, including the Plumas National Forest and developed recreation sites. This includes poppers, sparklers and other fireworks. Other explosives are also prohibited, including exploding targets like Tannerite.
There is a slight chance of thunderstorms this afternoon and temperatures are predicted to be just above average through the weekend.
The National Weather Service in Reno issued a Red Flag Warning for gusty winds and low humidity from 10 a.m. to midnight tomorrow. This includes the eastern edge of the Plumas National Forest and the part of the Forest in Lassen County.
Since January, the Plumas National Forest has had approximately 30 human-caused wildfires, with those fires increasing over the past several weeks. This is also an increase compared to 16 human-caused wildfires in 2024 and 11 in 2023 for the first six months of each of those years.
To reduce the risk of wildfire, area residents and visitors are advised to do the following:
- Before going camping, check to see if fire restrictions are in place and never leave a campfire unattended.
- Build campfires in cleared open areas and keep water and a shovel nearby. Make sure campfires are out and cool to the touch before leaving the area.
- Consider alternatives to a campfire, such as a portable camp stove.
- If you are using charcoal, make sure you drown and stir them, repeating until they are cold to the touch.
- Avoid driving and parking in tall grass or on roads with heavy, fine fuel accumulations. Exhaust particles, hot exhaust pipes and hot catalytic converters can start grass fires in a matter of seconds.
- Maintain proper tire pressure. Ensure tires are in good condition with solid tread and no cracking in the walls. Driving on exposed wheel rims can throw sparks.
- Secure chains properly from trailers or other equipment. Sparks from dragging chains, and exhaust from ATVs and motorcycles, can start grass fires.
- Ensure spark arresters are clean and in working order. Spark arresters are required on all recreational and portable gasoline-powered equipment.
- Carry firefighting equipment in vehicles, including a shovel, at least one gallon of water or one 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.
Report suspected wildfires immediately by calling 911, even before starting suppression activities. Many cellphones, even in areas without service, still have 911 or emergency capabilities to call for help.
Hope everyone has a happy, safe and memorable holiday weekend!
