News Release

For Release: July 10, 2008       
Contact:  BLM:  Jeff Fontana, (530) 252-5332; Modoc NF:  Laura Williams (530) 233-5811
BLM CA-N-08-76

Fire Restrictions Start July 25 on BLM Lands, Modoc Forest

Fire season restrictions on outdoor use of fire and firewood cutting begin Friday, July 25, on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) public lands and the Modoc National Forest.
 
The restrictions apply to the entire forest and to public lands managed by the BLM Alturas, Eagle Lake and Surprise field offices in Modoc, Lassen, Plumas, Sierra, Shasta, Siskiyou, and Washoe counties.  The South Warner Wilderness Area is exempt.
 
Use of chainsaws for woodcutting will be allowed until 1 p.m. daily on BLM-managed lands. On the Modoc National Forest, forest users are required to call the woodcutting/fire danger hotline, 233-8819, before working in the woods.  Chainsaw use is regulated according to daily fire danger levels.
 
Under the restrictions:

• Open fires are not allowed outside of posted, developed campgrounds and recreation sites, even with a campfire permit.  Portable stoves and lanterns using gas, pressurized liquid fuel or jellied petroleum may be used outside of developed recreation sites.  A campfire permit, available at all BLM and Forest Service offices, is required.

• Smoking is not allowed, except within developed recreation sites, inside buildings or in enclosed vehicles.

• Motor vehicles must remain on established roads and trails.

• Target shooters may not use tracer, metal jacket, incendiary or exploding ammunition.

As fire dangers increase through the summer firewood cutting may be suspended in some areas.  Fire officials urge woodcutters to cut firewood early.

Fire restrictions are already in place for the Lassen and Plumas national forests, and for public lands managed by the BLM’s Redding and Carson City field offices.  Those who plan to recreate in the wildlands should contact a BLM or Forest Service office to determine which fire restrictions are in effect.

-SIFC-

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