Six Rivers National Forest

News Release: Six Rivers National Forest Initiates Fire Use Restrictions
	US Forest Service Six Rivers National Forest	Contact: Julie Ranieri (707) 441-3673 jranieri@fs.fed.us

Eureka, July 11, 2007

Forest Supervisor Tyrone Kelley announced today that special fire restrictions will be initiated on the Six Rivers National Forest effective Friday July 13, 2007. According to Kelley, "extreme fire danger due to lack of seasonal precipitation and the associated low fuel moistures in forest vegetation has caused officials to initiate these restrictions." Effective July 13, fire "Restrictions" will:

• Limit open campfires to Developed Recreation Sites (see listing below) and Designated Fire Safe Sites (see listing below). Campfire permits are required for fires in the Designated Fire Safe Sites. They are NOT required in the Developed Recreation Sites.
• Limit smoking to enclosed vehicles, buildings, Developed Recreation Sites (listed below) and within Designated Fire Safe Sites (listed below).
• Prohibit the use of internal combustion engines except on National Forest System roads or trails.
• Prohibit welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
• Prohibit the use of explosives.

Exemptions to the restrictions include:

• With a valid California campfire permit, the use of lanterns or portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid is allowed. Barbeque grills using briquettes are not allowed and follow the same restrictions as the campfire restrictions listed above.
• Persons with a valid fuelwood-cutting permit from the Six Rivers National Forest may operate a chainsaw, provided that the person complies with the terms of the permit.
• Any Federal, State or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

These restrictions exclude the Trinity Alps and the Siskiyou Wilderness areas. Further restrictions may be enforced at a later date; contact any of the following National Forest Offices, Eureka (707) 442-1721, Willow Creek (530) 629-2118, Gasquet (707) 457-3131, Weaverville (530) 623-2121 and Big Bar (530) 623-6106, for more specific information before entering these wilderness areas.

California campfire permits are free and are available at all Forest Service, California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) offices. The campfire permit must be obtained in person in order to receive information about the terms of the permit and current conditions. The permittee agrees to clear all flammable material away from the campfire for a minimum of five feet in all directions to prevent escape of the fire; have a responsible person in attendance at all times; and extinguish the campfire with water, using the drown, stir and feel method.

While lightning is the number one cause of wildland fire on the Six Rivers National Forest, human caused fires are a major concern. Human caused fires, which range from escaped campfires, careless smokers, equipment use, vehicle exhaust, catalytic converters, or children playing with matches, are preventable.

"We urge everyone to be careful with fire while visiting and enjoying the National Forest," Kelley said. "We want everyone to have an enjoyable, relaxing, safe experience. Everyone should learn about and comply with fire regulations and what to do and not to do. By allowing open campfires only in developed recreation sites or designated fire safe areas, we hope to minimize any potential wildland fire starts."

Given the current fire situation, some areas may be closed or access limited. Persons should check with the office of the Forest or District they will be visiting to ensure they will have access to a particular area.

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Six Rivers National Forest
1330 Bayshore Way
Eureka, CA 95501
(707) 442-1721