[Guest]

www.off-road.com/land/fire_safe_holiday.html

AGENCIES URGE EVERYONE TO HAVE A FIRE SAFE HOLIDAY

Susanville Interagency Fire Center
For Release: June 26, 2002
Contact: Jeff Fontana, BLM, (530) 252-5332 or Leona Rodreick, Lassen National Forest, (530) 252-6605

On Thursday, July 4, the nation will celebrate Independence Day, and with that comes the urge to camp and recreate on public lands. The crackle of the campfire, and the mouth-watering aroma of cooking hot dogs, hamburgers and roasting marshmallows are part a holiday tradition for many families.

However, along with these celebrations comes a responsibility to be safe and prevent campfires from escaping and creating wildfires, say officials at the Susanville Interagency Fire Center (SIFC).

This year, large wildfires have already burned more than two million acres throughout the United States. Firefighters have been on the fire lines for several weeks now. Thousands of people have been evacuated, and hundreds of families have lost their homes to these wildfires.

Keeping this in mind, local, federal and state agencies are asking everyone to be extremely cautious with fire outdoors. These tips will help:

Keep your campfire small.
Never leave your campsite without first extinguishing your campfire.
Pour lots of water on your fire and stir it with a shovel, make sure it's dead out and cold to touch.
If you use charcoal, be sure to soak it in water when done.
If you smoke, do so in an area cleared of flammable debris.
Don't throw cigarettes out your vehicle window.
All fireworks - including those labeled "safe and sane" -- are illegal on public lands. Many cities and communities offer wonderful fireworks displays, so everyone can enjoy fireworks for the holiday.
Keep small children away from hot fires or grills.
Northeastern California has been fortunate so far this year, with no major fires. But SIFC officials note that fire danger continues to increase, and fire restrictions could be put in place as temperatures continue to climb and fuels continue to dry out.

Officials urge firewood cutters to work early in the day. Chainsaws must be equipped with spark arrestors, and woodcutters must have a fire extinguisher and or shovel nearby.

Drivers should stay on existing roads, to reduce the chance of hot vehicle mufflers and catalytic converters starting grass or brush fires.

Information on current wildland fire dangers and fire restrictions is available from any office of the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management or California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection. Local fire departments also have information on fire dangers and fire use restrictions.

 

[Guest]

And if you are coming anywhere near Colorado, please read below. If fact, I would suggest following these instructions anywhere in the west this year, as we are in for some tough times.

Our house has been covered with soot, ash, and smoke for over a month. We are 7 miles north of the Hayman fire, 1 mile south of the Black Mtn Fire, and 6 miles East of the Snaking fire. It has not been a very enjoyable summer here so far. More info here:


[url="http://wildfires.nwcg.gov/colorado/index.shtml[/URL]"]http://wildfires.nwcg.gov/colorado/index.shtml</a>

[url="http://www.pinecam.com[/URL]"]http://www.pinecam.com</a>

Here's what the govenor has to say:

E X E C U T I V E O R D E R

Declaring a Statewide Ban on Open Burning and the S ale and Use of Fireworks

Pursuant to the authority vested in the Office of the Governor of the State of Colorado, and in particular Article IV, Section 5 of the Colorado Constitution and Sections 23-30-308, 24-20-20-108, and 24-32-2100 et seq. of the Colorado Revised Statutes, I, Bill Owens, Governor of the State of Colorado.

1. Background and Need.

On June 4th, 2002, I issued Executive Order D 012 02 banning open burning on state lands. Since that time, approximately 200,000 acres have burned in the State of Colorado. Today, I issued Executive Order D 014 02, declaring a statewide disaster emergency due to the occurrence of and imminent threat of wildfires.

Additional measures are warranted to respond to this extreme risk and occurrence of wildfires caused by human activities. After thorough investigation and evaluation of the fire risk, I conclude that I must take action to minimize the serious danger to public health presented by open burning and the use of fireworks.

In response, this Executive Order bans open burning throughout the State of Colorado and bans the sale and use of all fireworks.

2. Mission and Scope.

I hereby order the following:

A. A statewide ban on open burning.

i) For purposes of this order, "open burning" is defined as any outdoor fire, including but not limited to campfires, warming fires, charcoal grill fires, and the use of any fireworks.

ii) For purposes of this order, "open burning" does not include:

a) gas or charcoal grills located at private residences;

b) fireplaces within buildings;

c) professional commercial fireworks displays;

d) prescribed burning ditches for irrigate pastures and croplands.

B. A statewide ban on the sale and use of fireworks.

3. Duration.

This Executive Order shall remain in force until modified or terminated by further executive order of the Governor.

GIVEN under my hand and the
Executive Seal of the State of Colorado, this 10th
Day of June, 2002.

Bill Owens

Governor

Thanks! Have a relaxing 4th!

--pm

 

[027]

Arizona has addressed the issue at hand by closing all state lands to the public for any purpose. We are still fighting the biggest fire in the states history in one of the largest recreational area for the stste. For camping and hicking. I doubt that there will be much running to the cooler climate here this 4th. Well I have been wrong before... It was that time back when!!!!!
GP'n

 

[dorfs]

thejunker, That puts you in Pine? Bailey? One of my favorite spots to wheel, Hackett's Gultch, probably won't be opened for about 25 years.

 

[Guest]

We are just NE of Shaffers Crossing, 1/2 between Pine Junction & Conifer (Closer to PJ). I too am disapointed that a lot of the local wheeling spots are closed now, and will be for some time. I guess I will have to get a trailer to tow my CJ to more distant places...

--pm