Shasta-Trinity National Forest implements fire restrictions beginning midnight June 17, 2014
Release Date:Jun 17, 2014
Contact(s): Andrea Capps (530) 226-2494, (530) 605-7337
REDDING, Calif. – June 17, 2014–The Shasta-Trinity National Forest will implement fire restrictions starting at midnight, June 17, 2014. (With the exception being the shorelines of Shasta Lake, Trinity Lake and Iron Canyon Reservoir- 50ft from any flammable vegetation and within 10ft of the water’s edge.) The decision is based on very dry forest vegetation and current fire activity. Forest officials are implementing the restrictions to prevent human-caused fires and raise public awareness as the summer continues to get warmer and dryer.
With the increased fire risk, forest visitors are reminded to exercise caution when visiting the National Forest. Travelers through the Forest should remain on designated roads and never park on dry brush or grass.
Drought conditions have reached record levels across Northern California, with Extreme to Exceptional drought overspreading nearly the entire region. The level of drought would be unprecedented for the typical peak drought period of early fall, but was off the charts at the end of the wet season.
The extreme dryness will only worsen through the summer as the Climate Prediction Center expects Above Normal Temperatures and only Normal Precipitation where “Normal” typically ranges from near zero to less than 3 inches of rainfall in most areas over the entire 3-month period.
Due to this extreme situation the Shasta-Trinity, in conjunction with neighboring Forests, has taken steps to reduce damaging wildfire and will impose camp fire restrictions on the forest, including in areas traditionally exempt from fire restrictions such as the Trinity Alps Wilderness.
The persistent drought conditions and abnormally dry fuels accompanied by hot and dry weather, have significantly increased fire danger for this time of year.We are asking the public to be aware of these increased risks and help us protect our local communities.
Fire restrictions include:
- No campfires or charcoal fires except inside established campfire sites within Forest Service campgrounds and other developed recreation sites and designated fire safe sites.
- Campfires will not be allowed in the Trinity Alps,Yolla Bolla-Middle Eel, Chanchelulla, Castle Crags or Mount Shasta Wildernesses.
- Smoking will be confined to enclosed vehicles or buildings, developed recreation sites and other designated fire-safe sites.
- Use of internal combustion engines is prohibited, except on roads and designated trails. All engines must be equipped with spark-arresting devices.
- Welding or operating acetylene or other torch device with an open flame is prohibited.
Campfire permits are required where campfires are not explicitly prohibited. Campfire permits are free and available at all Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and CAL FIRE offices. Permits are also available from campground hosts, Forest Service field personnel and online at http://www.preventwildfireca.org/
|