Quincy, CA, June 24, 2026 — With the start of summer and increased recreation use, fire officials on the Plumas National Forest ask area residents and visitors to help prevent wildfires, vehicle accidents and other incidents.
Last week, firefighters responded to 27 incidents on the Forest, with 10 of those confirmed wildfires. The eight lightning fires on the Beckwourth Ranger District have now all been called out.
There continue to be smoke checks that are 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/.
Around 8:20 p.m. yesterday, firefighters on the Beckwourth Ranger District responded to the River Fire, located approximately 1 mile northwest of Clio directly above the Middle Fork Feather River. The fire was controlled at an estimated half acre last night and is in patrol status today. Cause is under investigation.
Firefighters responding to the incident reported active fire with four-foot flame lengths backing down the slope burning in brush and timber understory fuels. Resources included six engines, one crew and miscellaneous overhead. The Graeagle Volunteer Fire Department and Union Pacific Railroad firefighting resources were part of the response. CAL FIRE Lassen Modoc Unit provided a fire investigator to the incident.
The fire behavior on the River Fire last night, near the river with rising humidity, is a reminder how quickly fire can spread, even early in fire season.
Although conditions are drying, the parameters to go into fire restrictions, including energy release component and fuel moisture, have not been met yet. It is expected the Plumas National Forest will enter fire restrictions within the next couple weeks.
To reduce the risk of wildfire, area residents and visitors are advised to do the following:
- Before going camping, check to see if fire restrictions are in place and never leave a campfire unattended.
- Build campfires in cleared open areas and keep water and a shovel nearby. Make sure campfires are out and cool to the touch before leaving the area.
- 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.
Last week and over the weekend, firefighters were also responding to vehicle accidents and medical incidents in the Forest while patrolling for lightning fires. This included incidents where patients needed to be flown out by helicopter.
While there is inherent risk in any outdoor activity, measures can be taken to help prevent accidents.
- Reducing speeds on National Forest System roads, trails and on lakes, properly yielding and watching for other traffic and wildlife can help avoid collisions.
- Having the proper gear for the recreational activity, like helmets and flotation devices, can reduce the risk of injury and aid in rescue.
- For those with medical conditions, ensuring that you have the proper medications and resources with you can help reduce the need for emergency response.
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.
Even though this weekend is expected to be significantly cooler, the weekend and week leading up to the July 4 holiday is a popular time for summer vacations and outdoor recreation in and around the Forest. Being prepared, aware and careful can help it be a fun and memorable experience.
For more information on the Plumas National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/plumas or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/USFSPlumas.