Six Rivers National Forest

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News Release:
Abandoned Campfires A Concern
[Shield]: US Forest Service

US Forest Service
Six Rivers National Forest

Contact:
Julie Ranieri
(707) 441-3673
jranieri@fs.fed.us

Eureka, August 30, 2004

The Six Rivers National Forest is seeing an increase in abandoned campfires. To date, 23 abandoned campfires have been discovered in the Six Rivers National Forest, 18 of these in the Smith River National Recreation Area. This is a 30% increase from 2003. According to John Wendt, Fire Management Officer, ”A number of these abandoned campfires were illegal fires since they were found after the July 23, 2004, fire restrictions went into effect. Forest personnel discovered the abandoned campfires and put them out before they had a potential to spread.”

Conditions favoring large fires are now occurring throughout the state and beyond. “We have all crews and engines currently available on the Forest as well as five engines staged here from outside the area; a few overhead personnel are on off-Forest assignments, but that will not hamper our ability to respond to an emergency situation,” said Wendt.

Wendt reminds forest visitors that the Fire Use Restrictions initiated on July 23, 2004, are still in place in the Six Rivers National Forest. Under the current fire restrictions, campfires are only allowed in designated fire safe areas or developed recreation sites (pay campgrounds). This is especially important with the upcoming Labor Day holiday.

Check with any local Forest Service Office or Six Rivers National Forest website for a copy of the fire restrictions and a list and map of designated fire safe sites and developed recreation sites. A violation of these fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. Reminders:

  • A California Campfire Permit is not required in Developed Recreation Sites.
  • A campfire permit is required for fires and barbecue grills in the Designated Fire Safe Sites.
  • A campfire permit is required to use lanterns or portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid anywhere on the Forest. Campfire permits are free and are available at all Forest Service, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offices.
  • Use the drown, stir and feel method to make certain a campfire is DEAD OUT. Drown the campfire with water, stir it up, mix in dirt or sand, and feel with the back of your hand to make sure your campfire is completely out before leaving.
  • Pick up and pack out all trash so that those who follow you may enjoy a natural forest environment.
  • Bury all human waste 6-8” deep and at least 100 feet from any river or stream.
  • Store food properly (remember the bears!)
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