Quincy, CA, July 1, 2026 — Fourth of July is only a few days away and as people are preparing for the holiday weekend, Plumas National Forest fire officials ask area residents and visitors to help prevent wildfires and other incidents.
While the number has decreased, firefighters are still responding to smoke checks that are residential pile burns out of compliance. All residential burning permits are currently suspended and there should not be any burning occurring until local Cal Fire units allow it. For more information, please visit https://burnpermit.fire.ca.gov/.
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.
The Forest is still not in fire restrictions. Despite drying fuels, they are not within the parameters to start fire restrictions, including energy release component and fuel moisture. It is expected the Plumas National Forest will enter fire restrictions within the next couple weeks.
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, including on trailers. 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.
- Reducing speeds on National Forest System roads, trails and on lakes, properly yielding and watching for other traffic and wildlife can help avoid collisions.
- Having the proper gear for the recreational activity, like helmets and flotation devices, can reduce the risk of injury and aid in rescue.
- Carry a first aid kit, be familiar with the supplies and their use, and ensure the supplies are in good condition and not expired.
- Dogs are required to be on leash in developed recreation areas and within voice control on trails or in the forest. However, it is recommended dogs be kept on leash for their safety and the safety of wildlife.
- Ensure all food is secured safely in bear lockers, suspended in a tree in a bear canister, or in a sealed and covered cooler in an enclosed vehicle.
- For any forest adventure, it’s always good to make sure to let someone know where you’re going, when you plan to be back and start with a full tank of gas.
Summer in the Lost Sierra is a great time to enjoy time in the forest, on the lakes, in the rivers and charming small towns. But the July 4 holiday weekend is always a bit more – whether attending local celebrations and events, or just spending time camping by a lake. Being prepared, aware and careful can help it be a fun and memorable experience.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.
About the Forest Service: The USDA Forest Service has for more than 100 years brought people and communities together to answer the call of conservation. Grounded in worldclass science and technology and rooted in communities, the Forest Service connects people to nature and to each other. The Forest Service cares for shared natural resources in ways that promote lasting economic, ecological and social vitality. The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, maintains the largest wildland fire and forestry research organizations in the world. The Forest Service also has either a direct or indirect role in stewardship of about 900 million forested acres within the U.S., of which over 130 million acres are urban forests where most Americans live.
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