Hikers and backpackers need to be aware of restrictions on fires before they hit the trails for a day hike or backpacking. I’m giving the details for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest fire restrictions here (from a press release). To find out about fire restrictions in other forests, place the name of the forest and “fire restrictions” in a search engine.
Fire officials from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest announced that fire restrictions begin at mid-night August 11, 2010 within the forest except for the Trinity Alps Wilderness. This decision is based on current fire activity, increasing fire danger indices and very dry forest vegetation.
“We have had very favorable weather conditions so far this season but now things are changing” said Forest Fire Chief Arlen Cravens. “We are asking the public to be aware of these conditions and help us keep our forests green and safe for all to enjoy.”
Forest officials are taking these steps to prevent human-caused fires and raise public awareness as the summer continues to get warmer and dryer.
Fire restrictions include:
* No campfires or charcoal fires except inside established campfire sites. California Campfire Permits are required to build a fire within Forest Service developed recreation sites and designated fire safe sites. A list of designated fire safe sites is available at www.fs.usda.gov/stnf.
* Campfires will not be allowed in the Yolla Bolla-Middle Eel, Chanchellula, 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.
California Campfire Permits are required for any source of flame or fire and are available for free at all Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and CAL FIRE offices. The campfire permit must be obtained in person in order to receive information about the terms of the permit and current conditions. Campfires must be attended by a responsible person at all times and completely extinguished after use.
Violation of these fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of no more than $5,000 for an individual, $10,000 for an organization or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
Forest visitors are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” and call ahead to the local ranger station to check on local conditions. For more information contact your local ranger station or visit the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/stnf.
