Tag Archives: danger

California Wind Storm

wind wildfires
Wildfires spread rapidly with strong winds.

“It was sport to have a gale in such weather as this. Yet it blew like a hurricane. The wind seemed to come with a spite, an edge to it, which threatened to scrape us off the yards. The mere force of the wind was greater than I had ever seen before.”
– Richard Henry Dana, Jr.
Two Years Before the Mast (1843)

califrepublic

In the early days of California cargo shipping, the sailers referred to the wild winds as “south-easterlies”. So strong and unpredictable in fact, that they often had to cut anchor and drift far out to sea – to wait out the wind event.

offshore winds

Various nicknames have been given to the easterly winds in California. They develop from a high or low pressure system that builds in the Great Basin, pushing winds from the desert towards the west, over the Sierra mountains and into California.

Wind events can last for days, but usually not a full week.

  • Santa Ana Winds

  • Southeasters

  • Sundowners

  • Mono Winds

  • Diablo Winds

  • Indian Summer

  • Northeasters

  • North-easterlies

pinetree

Wind gusts measuring over 100 mph typically recorded in Sierra passes

 

check

RED FLAG – Weather forecasters announce “Red Flag Warnings” when predicting, banning all outdoor burning and all use of campfires. Humidity levels drop into single digits or teens, and created extremely critical wildfire conditions. Utility companies are now preemptively cutting electric power to millions of customers across the state to reduce the risk of fires (sparking from power poles). Extreme fire weather can last for months, usually in the last half of the year. December rains usually put an end to the wildfire dangers, but the wind events can last all winter long.

windy poppies
Wind whipped Golden poppies in the high deserts of Antelope Valley.
winds and tents
Desert winds are harsh. Not properly staking down your tent results in gear rolling down canyon.

140 mph gust recorded as incredible winds rake California
Oct 2020

high wind advisory

This is a term often used for travel. High profile vehicles can literally tip over (while driving) in strong winds. Aircraft can be grounded and unable to fly, during such events. Helicopters generally do not fly during strong winds. Boats at harbor may need to be secured.

Electronic Freeway signs can display messages about high winds. These type of vehicle should heed the warnings.

  • big rigs
  • camper vans
  • 5th wheel travel trailers
  • motorhomes
  • moving trucks / rentals
  • RVs (recreational vehicles)
  • trailers in tow
  • truck campers
  • u-haul trucks

camptruck

California places that experience top wind speeds –

wind caves
Wind Caves in Anza Borrego Desert

hint.fm/wind

wind.willyweather.com/ca.html

mountains

accuweather winds

Campfire Restrictions in California

Campfire Bans for 2020

locking down the forests, before they burn (again)

Outside of developed campgrounds and permitted facilities, igniting, building, maintaining or using a fire on national forests in California will be prohibited.

califrepublic

campfire

List of Current Fire Restriction Orders for all USFS National Forests in California w/ links.

Fire Restrictions are now in effect for most all public lands in California. Data and news change weekly, so follow links for most up-to-date restrictions, before you make your drive.

These are the earliest and most restrictive campfire orders ever. No? Maybe the long drought years would be equivalent. Below is a brand new list broken down by federal land regions – forest and deserts, including BLM camping areas.

Looks like we are already into Stage II Restrictions for the begining of summer 2020.

dirtbikesNOTE: BBQ grills, all stoves, smoking, firecrackers, welding, chainsaws,  off roading, dirt biking, hunting and target shooting are restricted within these orders. A few of these fire restrictions are dated to extend until DEC 31, 2025

More details and specifics can be found on each forests .gov web site, so please use THESE LINKS BELOW (before they break).

The land is dry and wildfire threat is an ongoing battle in California.

FOREST-WIDE FIRE RESTRICTIONS IN PLACE

vanish views
Wildfires ravage California wild lands every year. Severity, longevity, most deadly. Let this year be different.

 

fish

Northern California

BLM (Bureau of Land Management)blm camps

no campfires outside of developed campgrounds (statewide)
(APR 29, 2020 – DEC 31, 2025)
see the current 2020 BLM Campfire Map

Six Rivers National ForestNFS

campfires only allowed @ developed recreation areas, campgrounds and certain designated fire safe sites
(MAY 29 – NOV 1, 2020)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/srnf/alerts-notices

Klamath National Forest NFS

campfires allowed only @ developed campgrounds & inside wilderness areas (MAY 29 – NOV 1, 2020)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices/?aid=59110

Modoc National Forest NFS

no campfires outside of developed campgrounds (MAY 28)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/modoc/alerts-notices/?aid=5889

USDA PDF map shows only 26 places that you have have a campfire inside Modoc. The far drive could be worth it – for minimal crowds, darkest skies and maximum fishing. Best for week long road trips, super lazy summer style.

Shasta Trinity National Forest NFS

no campfires outside of developed campgrounds (MAY 29)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/stnf/news-events/?cid=FSEPRD745550

Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions.

However, persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may use a portable campfire ring/pit, stove, or lantern ( 5+ feet from flammable materials) IF THE UNIT burns gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel, and is EQUIPPED w/ a shut-off valve.

Wow, what a mouthful. Guess the propane campfire is okay?

propanecampfire
Whatever.

Lassen National Forest NFS

no campfires outside of developed campgrounds ( MAY 29)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices/?aid=59049

SUSANVILLE, Calif. May 29, 2020 – Lassen National Forest is enacting campfire restrictions… effective immediately and until further notice. Outside of developed campgrounds and certain permitted facilities, igniting, building, maintaining or using a fire on national forests in California will be prohibited.

holeinthegroundsign
Lassen Camping near a creek in Northern California

BLM Eagle Lakeblm camps

no campfires outside of developed campgrounds
(APR 29, 2020 – DEC 31, 2025)
see the current 2020 BLM Campfire Map

Mendocino National Forest NFS

campfires allowed only @ developed campgrounds & inside wilderness areas (MAY 29 – NOV 30, 2020)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mendocino/alerts-notices

fout springs
Fout Springs, Stonyford, Northern California

 

mountains

Sierra Nevada California

Plumas National ForestNFS

no campfires outside of developed campgrounds (MAY 29)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/plumas/alerts-notices

North Sierra where the granite meets the volcanic rock of Lassen. Feather River Watershed, Lake Oroville SRA, Bucks Lake Wilderness, Bald Rock, Quincy, Lakes Basin Recreation Area

secludedcamp
Deane’s Valley Campground, way off the main road, between Quincy and Bucks Lake.

New Signs

Tahoe National Forest NFS

no campfires outside of developed campgrounds (MAY 29)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/tahoe/alerts-notices/?aid=58962

Donner Summit and Lake Tahoe get a majority of the Sierra Nevada snowfall and traffic. Deepest snowpacks are measured way up here, with dozens of small lakes surrounded by granite. Less snow means drier forests for 2020, and more tourists means more campfires. One spark is all it takes!

southward2donner
Tahoe National Forest (snowy mountains) April 2020, taken from Oro-Quincy Hwy looking southeast to Donner.

Sierra National Forest NFS

campfires allowed only @ developed campgrounds & inside wilderness areas (JUNE 4 – NOV 30)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sierra/alerts-notices/?aid=34784

Yosemite’s west side w/ Bass Lake, Mammoth Pool, Granite Creek, Dinkey Creek, McKinley Grove, Shaver Lake, Huntington Lake, San Joaquin River, Mono Hot Springs, Edison Lake, Florence, Ward, Courtright, Wishon, Blackrock, and the Kings River. Biggest water reservoirs draws the largest crowds. Be fire safe and camp inside of a developed campground this summer.

Stanislaus National Forest NFS

no campfires outside developed campgrounds
(MAY 28 – NOV 30)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/stanislaus/alerts-notices/?aid=59004

Sonora Pass and the Gold Country have been hit hard by recent wildfires in the past decade, so now we pay the price w/ much tighter campfire restrictions. Popular mid Sierra region, easy access w/ many lakes and reservoirs; highways of CA 108 & CA 44

Eldorado National Forest NFS

no campfires outside of developed campgrounds
(MAY 29 – NOV 30)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/eldorado/alerts-notices/?aid=58902

BLM Mother Lode
(Gold Country Foothills)blm camps

no campfires outside of developed campgrounds (MAY 29)
https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-mother-lode-field-office-initiates-seasonal-fire-restrictions

see the current 2020 BLM Campfire Map

Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest NFS

no campfires outside of developed campgrounds
(MAY 31 – OCT 31, 2020)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/htnf/alerts-notices/?aid=58910

Eastern Sierra, south of Lake Tahoe, alpine lakes and the headwaters to the Carson River. Walker River, Twin Lakes, Bridgeport, CA

Inyo National Forest NFS

no campfires outside of developed campgrounds
(MAY 13, 2020 – DEC 31, 2022)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/inyo/alerts-notices/?aid=23491

Campfires banned throughout the Eastern Sierra region until the end of 2022, within both the USFS and BLM campgrounds. US Highway 395, Mount Whitney, Mammoth, June Lake Loop & Mono Lake

goodale
Goodale Creek, Eastern Sierra California

BLM Bishop blm camps

no campfires outside of developed campgrounds
(APR 28 – NOV 1, 2020)
https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-bishop-field-office-issues-seasonal-fire-restrictions-0

see the current 2020 BLM Campfire Map

Sequoia National Forest NFS

no campfires outside of developed campgrounds
ABOVE 5000′ elevation
(MAY 28 – NOV 30, 2020)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sequoia/alerts-notices/?aid=58934

Tighter than normal campfire rules for the drier Southern Sierra. Kern River Canyon, Kennedy Meadows, Chimney Peak and beyond. Drive up hill, gaining levation to Sherman’s Pass or the Western Divide Highway and find a cooler campground in the dense trees. Forget the triple digit heat, brushy river and the masses, and climb to a higher altitude for the Big Trees and Big Meadows. Breckenridge, Horse Meadow, Long Valley, Mountain Home.

Kern Meadows Camping

BLM Bakersfield blm camps

no campfires allowed at all (APR 28)
https://www.blm.gov/press-release/blm-bakersfield-field-office-issues-seasonal-fire-restrictions

see the current 2020 BLM Campfire Map

hiker

Southern California
& Central Coast

Cleveland National Forest NFS

no campfires outside of developed campgrounds (all year)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cleveland/home/?cid=fseprd549882

San Bernardino National Forest NFS

no campfires outside of developed campgrounds
(MAY 29 – DEC 15, 2020)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sbnf/learning/safety-ethics/?cid=FSBDEV7_007776

Angeles National Forest NFS

no campfires outside of developed campgrounds
(DEC 10, 2019 – FEB 1, 2021)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/angeles/alerts-notices/?aid=55824

Los Padres National Forest NFS

no campfires outside developed campgrounds
(MAY 12 – NOV 30, 2020)
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lpnf/alerts-notices

reyespeakcamp
Camping out near Reyes Peak, off Hwy 33 N of Ojai, CA

 

BLM Deserts Southern Californiablm camps

no campfires allowed at all (APR 29)
see the current 2020 BLM Campfire Map

hiker

Stages of Fire Restriction in California

campfires

Stage I Restriction (ALL YEAR-ROUND):

  • The possession or use of any steel jacketed or steel core ammunition of any caliber. This would include handgun, rifle and shotgun ammunition unless a person is in possession of a valid State of California hunting license and is actively engaged in the legal take/pursuit of game and non-game species in accordance with current California hunting regulations, and
  • During the issuance of Red Flag Warnings and Fire Weather Watches, as determined by the National Weather Service (NWS), all recreational shooting and use of campfires, is temporarily suspended to reduce the potential of unintended wildland fire ignitions for the period of the event.

Stage II Restriction:

  • All the restriction in Stage I above, and
  • Setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using open fire of any kind is prohibited, except campfires within approved fire pits and grills provided for in developed recreation sites; or campfires within the Imperial County Special Recreation Management Areas with a valid California Campfire Permit. Controlled flame devices such as portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves,using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed and require a valid California Campfire Permit, and
  • Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or camp trailer or while stopped or standing in a three-foot diameter area barren or cleared of all flammable materials and away from federal facility doors, windows and air ducts.

Stage III Restriction:

  • All the restrictions in Stage I above, and
  • Setting, building, maintaining, attending, or using open fire of any kind is prohibited. Controlled flame devices such as portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves,using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit, and
  • Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or camp trailer unless prohibited by State or local laws.

Campfires in California

Campfires on the Back Roads
Campfires on the Back Roads: permit, shovel & water bucket required

campfireWhen & Where – Campfires in California

Campfire Restrictions in California

California has many different National Forest districts and each region has their own fire restrictions. State Parks & BLM also manages recreation areas & camping in the Golden State. Each agency & region has different rules, so blanket answers cannot apply to general questions on campfires.

CAMPFIRE PERMITS
Campfire permits are required for fires outside of designated recreation sites. During fire restrictions, campfires could be banned. Campfire Permit are available from Forest Service, CalFire or BLM offices or online,
http://www.preventwildfireca.org/

ranger

Manter Fire, Dome Land Wilderness
Manter Fire [2000], Dome Land Wilderness, Southern Sierra Nevada

the new abnormal

California suffers more from wildfires now than ever before. Native tribes let lightning strike wild fires burn and they did not suppress wildfire. Residential development creeping ever higher and denser into the foothills, an abundance of roadways, with the overgrown forest make fire danger ever more real.

Closed off wilderness areas, impassable dirt roads, landslides, fallen trees everywhere. Utility services (power lines), plus high winds and overgrown forest also play a huge part in the current wildfire catastrophes. Drought conditions or record winter rains, the huge population on the west coast -along with many other factors – means more fire danger. Educate yourself and others on fire safety, forests and weather patterns. Heed the wind, while in the wild. Wind spreads fire easily!tent camping

Current Fire Restrictions:

By mid summer we have usually have several wild land fires burning, which means campfire restrictions are usually in place before JULY 4th weekend. When this happens – No open campfires are allowed in the backcountry or on the back roads.

Often in the driest of years, no campfires are allowed (even inside the campgrounds).

camp

If you love to primitive camp outside of developed campgrounds, you need to plan more road trips for spring time & autumn. Or head further north, well above Redding – where the forest are moist and snow graces Mount Shasta year round. Or perhaps, go desert camping during winter months. Checking the National Forest web sites can be confusing and their online information could be outdated.

Each forest and area is individually managed. No concise, easy-to-read list or online map exist on which forests are allowing backcountry campfires – and which ones are not. Conditions seem to change so often and they aren’t great about updating those .gov web sites.  Best to call a local ranger station and ask about any current fire restrictions. You know, actually “talk on a phone” to a USFS, BLM or CalFire official.  If you can speak to a field ranger, they can tell you more on dispersed camping. Or you can navigate the USDA web site to find current ALERTS & RESTRICTIONS. Cryptic lingo may be encountered, and many clicks maybe needed; possibly forcing you to download a PDF of current fire rules.NFSlogo

Here is a page with all the California National Forests listed w/ phone numbers
https://totalescape.com/active/campstuff/NF/NFS.html

Narrow down a specific region by checking out where fires are active today and selecting a region well away from big fires.
http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/

see more on this topic –

Fire Safety
Camping Without a Campfire
Firewood Dealers

rock fire ring

Camp Fires Correctly

walkincampsite
Eagle Lake Tent Campground

 

NO Campfires?
No Campfires in California?

hiker

Fire Light Cove
Cove Camping in Anza Borrego Desert State Park

Camp Fires Correctly

desert bonfires
Deserts & beaches are the only places for bonfires.

kill your television

Camp Fires
The heat source, the light source, the cook source, the sock drier, the night supplier, the outdoor LIVING ROOM. The campfire is the center stage for all entertainment, dining, drinking, music, true tales and ghost stories alike.

Since the beginning of time humans have gathered around the campfire at dark. This nightly ritual is built into us on the deepest level. We miss this today. We miss the real conversations, the community, the bonding, the stories, the soul searching. We miss the connection with nature, the fresh air and the great outdoors. The night sky filled with stars and maybe a meteor shower, a hot drink and the glow of the campfire coals. Enjoying the wilderness requires certain skills. FIRE is only ONE skill – for survival, for cooking, for warmth, for safety.

Total Escape is dedicated to those who yearn to camp, often.

In Certain Circles
photo – Charlie Sweeney 2010

Some folks cannot imagine camping without a campfire, but we better get used to it here on the West Coast. Weather patterns swing from years of super-dry drought to deluge and drenching – as we’ve seen of recent in California. Dry conditions means high wildfire dangers, tight camp stove and strict campfire restrictions.

Each California region, National Forests and State Parks have their own fire restrictions, so call ahead to rangers for current fire conditions on the place you wish to visit. Certain mountain locations will ban fires in the back country, fires on the back roads and sometimes in extreme conditions, no fires allowed even inside a developed campground.

Campfire Basics
Sagebrush could be cleared back another few feet, at least.

Campfire Restrictions

fire

California is well known for its unforgiving drought conditions and its seasonal wildfire danger. Always know the fire conditions in the area you plan to camp. Most Southern California regions have banned ‘open campfires’ in forested areas, due to wildfire threat and population density. Call ahead to get an update on road closures and current campfire restrictions. Find California BLM offices & NFS ranger stations

rockfirering

Campfire Permits

If you plan on camping outside of a developed campground, you will need to get a free “camp fire permit”, which can be obtained at the local rangers office.

Find more on FREE camp fire permits

DSCN3700

California Camp Fires

  • RULE # 1 – Never leave a campfire unattended
  • Build campfires in designated rings. Always try to use an existing ring when possible. If you must build a new rock fire ring, follow the guide on FireSafe
  • You will need water source & bucket, plus a decent shovel for building, maintaining and controlling a campfire. BRING enough water & tools with you to control a fire.
  • A ten foot clearance – all around, down to the bare dirt is the best practice. No brush close to the ring, no bushes, no leaves or pine needles. No dry over-hanging tree branches.
  • You might need to clean trash out of the fire pit, so bring heavy duty trash bags, or a spare old box. Shovel comes in handy here.
  • Kindling is key to getting a good fire going fast, so gather more of the small stuff. Wood gathering away from camp is usually better pickens.
  • Use environmentally friendly fire starters (with damp wood, if you must); not the BBQ lighter fluid or gasoline
  • Building fires up against a big boulder scars them w/ black soot, and although it can reflect heat back to you, it is seldom worth the unsightly damage
  • Bring chainsaws or hand saws for cutting your own campfire wood in the forest
  • Gathering wood for fuel — use only dead and down wood
  • A ranger issued “wood cutting permit” is required if you plan on cutting a full cord
  • Firewood page – buying locally, in California
  • Never burn plastics, batteries or other toxic materials in campfires
  • Tossing beer bottle caps into a campfire only litters site for future campers
  • While glass bottle smelting is a real treat among boys at night, which one is actually gonna get their hands dirty & clean up broken glass out of the campfire the following morning?
  • Do not leave any hot coals during the day (if you are away from camp). Winds could pick up.
  • Always douse campfire with water completely when breaking camp. Stir it, feel for heat, and drown it more if you hear sizzling or see bubbling.
  • Read more wild fire / campfire info on our FireSafe page

Drown Fires

Last Final Step
The Final Step of Breaking Camp

Campfire Pits & Fire Containers
Campfire Pits & Fire Containers

Stormproof LIghters
Stormproof Lighters

duskatblue

Developed Campgrounds offer sturdy, permanent, metal campfire pits. Many have adjustable grills built in.nlassenPrimitive Camping is allowed in National Forests throughout California. Campfire permits are required. This style of camping is more peaceful and secluded, without neighbors, without fees and without amenities (no table, no fire ring, no toilet)

leftovers

Cast Iron and a Campfire (no fuel cost, no stove needed)