Yreka, Calif., August 2, 2024— Yreka, Calif., August 2, 2024— The Klamath National Forest has updated existing fire restrictions to reduce the number of sites where campfires are permitted. There are no other changes from the previously issued order.
The expansion of fire restrictions was prompted by an intensifying fire season in Northern California, which has reduced the number of firefighting resources that are available to respond to new fires. Additionally, a number of abandoned campfires have been found at some of the recreation sites that were previously allowing campfires under the earlier fire restriction order.
Under the updated order, campfires will only be permitted in the following areas:
- Goosenest Ranger District – Juanita Lake Day Use Area, Campground, and Group Site; Martin’s Dairy Campground; Martin’s Dairy Horse Campground; Orr Lake Campground
- Happy Camp and Oak Knoll Ranger District – Grider Creek Campground; Norcross Trailhead; Sulphur Springs Campground; Tree of Heaven Campground
- Salmon River & Scott River Ranger District – Carter Meadows Group Campground; Hidden Horse Campground; Idlewild Campground; Indian Scotty Campground; Jones Beach Picnic Area; Kangaroo Lake Campground and Picnic Area; Trail Creek Campground
Campfires remain prohibited in wilderness and dispersed areas. Other fire restrictions remaining in effect include:
- Campfires, stove fires, and barbecue grills using charcoal briquettes are only allowed in the developed recreation sites listed above. No permit required.
- Smoking is limited to inside enclosed vehicles or buildings, within developed recreation sites, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
- Operating an internal combustion engine, except on National Forest System roads or trails, or within developed recreation sites is prohibited.
- Welding, or operating an acetylene torch or other torch with an open flame is prohibited.
Outside of the designated developed recreation sites, forest visitors with a valid California Campfire Permit will still be able to use pressurized liquid or gas stoves, grills, or lanterns with shut-off valves, in an area that is cleared at least five feet of any flammable materials. Permits may be obtained at any forest office or online at www.preventwildfireca.org/
For a complete list of fire restrictions for the Klamath National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/
If visitors choose to have a campfire within a listed developed recreation site, they must follow these safety tips to prevent starting a wildfire:
- Only use developed fire rings.
- Clear all flammable materials from the ground for five feet in all directions from the edge of the fire and make sure it is located away from overhanging limbs.
- Have a shovel and water nearby.
- Keep your campfire small, and only use dead and downed wood. Don’t cut live trees for firewood.
- Make sure a responsible adult is always in attendance of your campfire. NEVER leave a campfire unattended!
- Always make sure your campfire is DEAD OUT before leaving it! Drown it with plenty of water, stir well with a shovel, feel to see if it is hot, and REPEAT. If it is too hot to touch, then it is too hot to leave.