News Release

For Release: August 19, 2008     
Contact:  Jeff Fontana, BLM, (530) 252-5332 or Leona Rodreick, Lassen National Forest, (530) 252-6605
BLM-CA-N-08-84   

Agencies Stress Labor Day Weekend Fire Safety

Susanville, CA…With Labor Day weekend approaching and various hunting seasons already open, many people are looking forward to recreating on public lands.  Susanville Interagency Fire Center reminds everyone that fire danger remains high and fire restrictions remain in effect.

Vegetation is extremely dry, with drought conditions in many areas,” said Paul Whitcome, the Bureau of Land Management’s northern California fire management officer.  “Fires will grow rapidly in these conditions.”

Local, federal and state agencies are asking everyone to be extremely cautious with fire outdoors and remember that fire restrictions are still in effect.  These tips will help:

• Keep campfires small. Wood campfires are allowed only within designated campgrounds and recreation areas.

• Never leave your campsite without first extinguishing your campfire.

• Pour lots of water on your fire and stir it with a shovel, making sure it’s dead out and cold to touch.

• Smoking is allowed only in vehicles and within designated campgrounds and recreation areas.

• Don’t throw cigarettes out your vehicle window.

• Keep small children away from fires or hot grills.

Under current fire restrictions chainsaw use is not allowed in the Lassen National Forest.  On BLM-managed lands chainsaws may be used only until 1 p.m. daily.  Drivers need to stay on existing roads to reduce the chance of hot vehicle mufflers and catalytic converters starting grass or brush fires.

Fire officials urged hunters to be aware of the fire restrictions.  Other than lightning, improperly extinguished campfires are the largest human cause of wildland fires in Northeastern California in the late summer and fall.

Information on current wildland fire dangers and fire restrictions is available from any office of the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or CAL FIRE.  Local fire departments also have information on fire dangers and fire use restrictions.

~SIFC~

Susanville Interagency Fire Center
CAL FIRE Lassen-Modoc Unit      Lassen National Forest  
Bureau of Land Management     Lassen Volcanic National Park