Please be fire safe this summer. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area is asking your help to prevent wildfires by being extra careful with campfires, BBQs, stoves and other ignition sources. Fire restrictions are in place to protect the health and safety of visitors, park infrastructure, employees and local communities. Outside of developed campgrounds and day use areas, igniting, building, or maintaining a fire is prohibited within the park.
The 2018 Carr Fire removed much of the tree canopy at Whiskeytown, causing an increase in coverage of grasses. These conditions were highlighted late Saturday night on July 4th when a visitor’s campfire started a fire within the Oak Bottom Campground. The fire burned approximately ¼ acre and forced an evacuation of the campground.
“Hotter temperatures have cured annual grasses at lower elevations creating a greater risk for wildfire in our foothill areas," said Josh Hoines, Superintendent for Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. “In areas where campfires are permitted, visitors should keep fires small and fully extinguish them when unattended."
Due to decreasing fuel moistures, increases in temperatures, increased fuel loading due to late season rains, and current moderate-high fire danger, fire safety is of utmost importance. The National Park Service at Whiskeytown National Recreation Area reminds visitors of fire restrictions at the park:
As per Title 36 Code of Federal Regulations, 2.13 (c), the Superintendent notes the following:
1. It is illegal to build, maintain, attend, or use any open fire, campfire, charcoal barbeque or stove unless accompanied by a special use permit OR within an established campfire ring or barbeque charcoal grill, only at specifically posted and developed campsites and picnic sites (36 CFR 2.13). Fires in designated grills and campfire rings are allowed at the following picnic and campground locations: Oak Bottom Campground, Brandy Creek Marina Picnic Site, Brandy Creek Beach Picnic Sites, Peltier Campground and Horse Camp, Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Site and Whiskey Creek Boat Launch Picnic Site.
2. It is illegal to smoke, (36 CFR 2.21 (a)), except within the designated parking lots of Brandy Creek Marina, Brandy Creek Beach, lots A & B, Whiskey Creek Group Picnic Site, Whiskey Creek Boat Ramp, Oak Bottom Campground Marina Parking lots, Carr Powerhouse parking area, Park Headquarters Maintenance Yard and the park Visitor Center on Kennedy Memorial Drive.
3. It is illegal to possess or discharge any fireworks, including “safe and sane," on all park lands (36 CFR 2.38 (b)).
4. Discharging of firearms is prohibited within the park (this restriction may extend into California’s regular hunting season).
Pursuant to Title 36 CFR 1.6 (a), the following persons are exempt from this order:
1. Persons with a special use permit, specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act.
For more information regarding this specific Superintendent’s Order, contact Superintendent Josh Hoines at 530-242-3460 or Whiskeytown’s Chief Ranger, Dave Keltner, at 530-242-3413. Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted on our website www.nps.gov/whis and social media channels.
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
