Quincy, CA, September 4, 2026 — The Plumas National Forest shifted from Stage II to Stage I Fire Restrictions at 2 p.m. today, following precipitation received across the Forest this week. This is just in time for campers at designated sites this Labor Day weekend.
The cooler, wet weather has helped reduce fire danger, but it is not a season ending event to fully lift fire restrictions on the Forest. There is warm, dry weather in the forecast that will likely increase fire danger again.
In the meantime, Stage I Fire Restrictions allows campfires in specific designated recreation sites in established campfire rings. Sites are listed in Exhibit A of the closure order. This list is expanded from Stage II Fire Restrictions where campfires are only allowed at identified campgrounds with a campground host present.
Anyone with a campfire at an allowed location needs to have at least a shovel and one gallon of water or a fire extinguisher. Campfires are only allowed in established campfire rings with the area at least 3 feet in diameter completely clear of all flammable material. The campfire must be contained within the campfire ring, not hanging over the edge.
Campfires should never be left unattended and need to be completely out and cold to the touch before leaving.
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, but 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 aren’t out of fire season yet, but conditions improved with the weather this week, especially the storm yesterday that brought widespread measurable rain,” said Plumas National Forest Fire Chief Martin Senter. “Fall on the Plumas National Forest can shift rapidly from cold and wet to hot, dry and windy, able to carry fire quickly, so we still need the public’s help to prevent human-caused wildfires.”
Forest employees and partners are working on critical fuel reduction for community protection and post-fire recovery work.
“Approximately two-thirds of the Plumas National Forest has been affected by wildfire over the past several years,” Senter said. “We have been fortunate this summer, in large part due to local residents helping prevent wildfires, and we need that support to continue as we work on fuel reduction and community protection.”
In the recently burned areas, there is concern about increasing potential for wildfire. Dense brush, standing dead trees and heavy fuels from downed trees will not only burn at high severity, but are more dangerous for firefighters.
“In addition to being very careful in the unburned areas of the Plumas National Forest, we ask that anyone choosing to recreate in an area that has burned in the past ten years not only watch for hazards, but also be careful with anything that can spark a wildfire,” Senter said. “These areas are now at high risk for reburning and firefighting is more hazardous and requires different strategies for firefighter and public safety.”
Suspected wildfires can be reported by calling 911.
The order is formally referenced as Closure Order Number 05-11-26-04. 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.