Firefighters in the Plumas National Forest are asking the public to help prevent wildfires this weekend and use extreme caution with anything that can spark a fire.
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. Friday 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.
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.
The Forest Service says 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, visit https://burnpermit.fire.ca.gov/.
The Plumas National Forest is currently under Stage I Fire Restrictions. Campfires are only allowed in designated recreation sites.
If you choose to have a campfire at one of the 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, the public is 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. Similarly, report accidents and emergency incidents by calling 911. Many cellphones, even in areas without service, still have 911 or emergency capabilities to call for help.
(Plumas National Forest contributed to this report.)
