Quincy, CA, September 11, 2026 — Firefighters on the Plumas National Forest ask area residents and visitors to help prevent wildfires this weekend and use extreme caution with anything that can spark a wildfire. 

This week saw a return of hot, dry weather, already reducing the relief from last week’s storms.  Today, winds in the area are already picking up ahead of stronger winds forecasted in the coming days. 

There are three weather advisories and a Fire Weather Watch issued over parts of the Forest.

On the east side of the Forest, the National Weather Service has issued a Lake Wind Advisory from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. tomorrow that includes Frenchman Lake, predicting west winds at 15 to 20 miles per hour and gusts to 30 to 35 miles per hour.  A Wind Advisory is in effect from 11 a.m. Saturday to 2 a.m. Sunday, predicting southwest winds 15 to 25 miles per hour with gusts up to 45 miles per hour.  Wind prone areas along Highway 395 between Janesville and Doyle may gust to 65 miles per hour.

The west side of Forest has areas under a heat advisory until 10 p.m. tonight.  There is a Fire Weather Watch in effect from 11 a.m. Saturday through 11 a.m. Monday due to gusty winds and low relative humidity.  Winds are predicted to be south to southwest Saturday morning and afternoon, becoming north to northeast Saturday evening through Monday.  Gusts are forecasted to be 20 to 35 miles per hour.

These weather conditions mean a spark can quickly turn into a large wildfire.

“Despite the weather starting to change, the Plumas National Forest has experienced significant large fires in the fall, typically driven by north wind events,” said Plumas National Forest Fire Chief Martin Senter.  “The weather predicted this weekend combined with dry fuels make it critical that every precaution be taken to prevent starting a wildfire.”

Over the past week there have been numerous smoke checks for residential pile burns out of compliance.  All residential burning permits are currently suspended and there should not be any burning occurring until local Cal Fire units allow it.  For more information, please visit https://burnpermit.fire.ca.gov/.

Following the holiday weekend, there were also numerous abandoned campfires discovered.

The Plumas National Forest is currently under Stage I Fire Restrictions.  Campfires are only allowed in designated recreation sites identified in Exhibit A of the restrictions.

If you choose to have a campfire at one of these locations, never leave it unattended and make sure it is completely out and cold to the touch.  Make sure that the area is cleared of flammable materials and have a shovel and plenty of water ready.  Wind can carry a spark or ember and start a larger fire.

To reduce the risk of wildfire, area residents and visitors are advised to do the following:

  • Consider alternatives to a campfire, such as a portable camp stove. 
  • If you are using charcoal, make sure you drown and stir them, repeating until they are cold to the touch.
  • Avoid driving and parking in tall grass or on roads with heavy, fine fuel accumulations. Exhaust particles, hot exhaust pipes and hot catalytic converters can start grass fires in a matter of seconds.
  • Maintain proper tire pressure. Ensure tires are in good condition with solid tread and no cracking in the walls. Driving on exposed wheel rims can throw sparks.
  • Secure chains properly from trailers or other equipment. Sparks from dragging chains, and exhaust from ATVs and motorcycles, can start grass fires.
  • Ensure spark arresters are clean and in working order. Spark arresters are required on all recreational and portable gasoline-powered equipment.
  • Carry firefighting equipment in vehicles, including a shovel, at least one gallon of water or one 2 ½ pound or larger fire extinguisher.

Report suspected wildfires immediately by calling 911, even before starting suppression activities.  Similarly, report accidents and emergency incidents by immediately calling 911.  Many cellphones, even in areas without service, still have 911 or emergency capabilities to call for help.

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