Modoc National Forest fire restrictions begin Friday

ALTURAS, Calif. — According to the U.S. Forest Service, fire-safety restrictions will go into effect on the Modoc National Forest on Friday, July 20, 2018 and will remain in place through the end of fire season.

"We are implementing these restrictions to provide for public safety and the protection of natural resources," said Forest Supervisor Amanda McAdams. "With expected warmer weather and dry fuel conditions, there is increased risk of wildfires."

Officials said similar restrictions are also going into effect on neighboring public lands. Visitors should check with the land management agency responsible for the area they plan to visit.

Modoc National Forest restrictions prohibit the use of fires, campfires, charcoal fires and stoves except in the South Warner Wilderness and the following designated recreation sites:

• Devil’s Garden and Warner Mountain ranger districts: Big Sage Day Use, Blue Lake, Cave Lake, Howard’s Gulch, Jane’s Reservoir, East Creek, Emerson, Lassen Creek, Lily Lake, Mill Creek Falls, Patterson, Pepperdine, Reservoir C, Reservoir F, Soup Springs, Stough Reservoir, Cottonwood and Plum Valley campgrounds
• Doublehead and Big Valley ranger districts: A.H. Hogue, Ash Creek, Blanche Lake, Bullseye Lake, Headquarters, Hemlock, Little Medicine Lake Day Use Area, Medicine Lake, Medicine Lake Boat Ramp, Medicine Lake Swim Beach, Paynes Spring, Willow Creek, Willow Creek Day Use Area, Dan Ryan Camp, Upper Rush Creek, and Lower Rush Creek campgrounds.

Campfires are permitted only in existing fire rings. California campfire permits are available online here.

Additional restriction information, excepted campgrounds, and more safety information can be found here.

The following acts are also prohibited as part of the fire restrictions:

1. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or a building, within the designated recreation sites listed here, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
2. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
3. Operating an internal combustion engine, except on National Forest System roads or trails or within the designated recreation sites listed here.

Fireworks are always prohibited on public lands.

Forest visitors can continue riding off-highway vehicles on designated roads and trails provided vehicles are equipped with spark arresters.

Spark arresters are also required on chainsaws.