A group of firefighters wearing orange helmets and yellow protective gear talking in a forested area during the daytime, with some cars visible on a road in the background.

Articles and Updates

As a Firewise Community, we must create and submit an Action Plan every three years.  This Action Plan is reviewed by CalFire on an annual basis to ensure that we are striving to achieve our set goals.  The four categories are Education and Outreach, Home Hardening, Defensible Space and Evacuation Planning. 

The Wildfire Preparedness section of this website covers three of the four categories; Home Hardening, Defensible Space and Evacuation Planning.  Keeping our communities up-to-date on new and ever-changing federal, state and county legislation pertaining to fire safety and as well as the latest information on homeowners’ insurance in California are very important components of our Education and Outreach goals.  This Articles and Updates page is designed to bring you the latest information on both these subjects plus more.  It will be updated on a regular basis so be sure to check back and stay informed.

Plumas National Forest enters Stage II Fire Restrictions Wednesday August 5th, 2026  

Hot, dry temperatures over the past few weeks are increasing the fire danger.

In Stage II Fire Restrictions, campfires are only allowed in specific designated recreation sites with a campground host, in established campfire rings.  Sites are listed in Exhibit A of the closure order.

Smoking is only allowed within an enclosed vehicle or building, in one of the designated recreation sites listed in Exhibit A, or an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is completely clear of all flammable material.

Additionally, internal combustion engines, such as vehicles and generators, may only be used on designated roads and trails.  Boat engines are exempt.

Chainsaw use for firewood cutting is still permitted with an exception that operating a chainsaw off designated roads and trails is minimal.  Woodcutters need to ensure that they are checking the Woodcutting Status each day prior to cutting by calling 1-800-847-7766.  

Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame is prohibited.

Possession of a valid California Campfire Permit is not an exemption from the prohibitions.  However, California Campfire Permit holders can use approved devices in an area that is at least 3 feet from any flammable materials.  This includes portable campfire pits, stoves or lanterns that use gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel as long as it has a working shut-off valve, or a wood pellet fueled grill or device with a functional on-off switch.

California Campfire permits are free and available at Forest Service and CAL FIRE offices or online at https://permit.preventwildfiresca.org/.

“We are in the heart of fire season right now with dry conditions, hot temperatures and receptive fuels,” said Plumas National Forest Fire Management Officer Martin Senter.  “With this increased risk of wildfire, we need the public’s help to prevent human-caused wildfires."

So far, nearly all wildfires on the Plumas National Forest this year are human caused, including out of compliance burn piles and abandoned campfires.

“Even if you have a campfire in an allowable recreation area, it is still critical to make sure 3 feet around the fire ring is clear of any flammable material, it is never left unattended, is dead out and cold to the touch before leaving,” Senter said.  “As we move into Stage II Fire Restrictions and with firefighting resources assigned to wildfires across the West this summer, it is even more important to help prevent wildfires.”

Suspected wildfires can be reported by calling 911.

The order is formally referenced as Closure Order Number 05-11-26-02.  Violations of the prohibitions are 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 6 months, or both.

For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.  

SUMMARY OF DRAFT ZONE 0 REGULATION LANGUAGE

April 2026

Download PDF Document