Modoc National Forest Enacts Fire Restrictions Effective July 18, 2025

Alturas, Calif., July 18, 2025— Fire restrictions for the Modoc National Forest took effect at 12 a.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025. These restrictions aim to reduce the risk of human-caused wildland fires, protect natural resources, and ensure the safety of the public and employees by minimizing the potential for large-scale wildfires.
While lightning is the primary cause of forest fires, human-caused fires are also a significant concern. What do we mean when we say "human-caused fire"? In short, it refers to wildfires that originate from human activities rather than natural occurrences like lightning. The category of human-caused fires is broad and includes sources such as campfires, fireworks, vehicles like cars and ATVs, lawnmowers, power lines, and more.
Learn more about how to avoid starting wildland fires is found online at https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/one-less-spark-campai….
Modoc National Forest Fire Restrictions include:
• Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire, except in the South Warner Wilderness and Designated Recreation Sites that will be listed at https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/modoc/alerts
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or a building, within the Designated Recreation Sites or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
• Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
• Operating an internal combustion engine, except on National Forest System roads or trails, or within the Designated Recreation Sites listed in the attached documents.
Exemptions to these restrictions include:
• Lanterns or portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid with a valid free California campfire permit (www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfires/). Barbeque grills using briquettes are not allowed.
• Chainsaws and other equipment within the terms of a valid permit. Fuelwood-cutting permits are available at any Modoc National Forest office. Permit holders are asked to call 530-233-8819 for operational hours for woodcutting before heading out for the day.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender.
For more information, including a copy of the Forest Order and the Designated Recreation Sites (Exhibit A), please visit the Modoc National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Alturas or our District Offices.
These documents can also be found on our Modoc National Forest webpage https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/modoc.
Similar restrictions are in place on neighboring lands. Since these restrictions may vary by landownership, we encourage visitors to contact the specific area they plan to visit for detailed fire restrictions and conditions.