California’s National Forests Restrict Certain Fire-Related Activities for Public Safety

The following is a press release issued by USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region:

In order for visitors to continue to safely enjoy our national forests and reduce wildfire risk this Memorial Day weekend, the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region reminds everyone of the prohibition of any processing materials or substances to create an explosive, the use of any fireworks or pyrotechnics, or the use of any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arrestor. Regional Order 22-01 has been re-issued and remains in effect until May 29, 2025.

In 2021, 1,120 wildfires burned approximately 1.8 million acres of National Forest System Lands in California. A total of 8,835 wildfires burned over 2.5 million acres across all jurisdictions in the state. A drier than normal rainy season has impacted fuel moisture levels, and the seasonal fire outlook remains above average for the year. The elevated fire outlook strains our recreation and fire resources.

The exemption to Regional Order No. 22-01 includes any federal, state or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty. Additionally, any persons with a Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Road, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), are exempt from this Order.

More than 90 percent of all fires are human caused. We need all Californians now, more than ever, to help prepare for and prevent wildfires. Your proactive efforts can prevent fires from starting and exponentially reduce the movement and intensity of fires when they do ignite.

The Forest Service manages 18 national forests in the Pacific Southwest Region, which encompasses over 20 million acres across California, and assists state and private forest landowners in California, Hawaii and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands. National forests supply 50 percent of the water in California and form the watershed of most major aqueducts and more than 2,400 reservoirs throughout the state. For more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/R5.