CLOVIS – The Sierra National Forest will be implementing forest-wide fire restrictions. Higher fuel temperature, dry fuel conditions, severe drought, and an increase in fire activity on the forest and nationwide has led to this decision.
Restrictions are in place in all areas on the Sierra National Forest, including the wilderness. Campfires and barbecues are only allowed in developed campgrounds or areas designated as exempt from fire restrictions.
The Forest Order along with a list of designated exempt areas can be obtained from Forest Service offices, and on the Sierra National Forest website under Alerts and Warnings www.fs.usda.gov/sierra
The following acts are prohibited within the Sierra National Forest. This Order is effective from June 25, 2014 through the end of the official 2014 fire season.
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except in the Designated Recreation Sites listed in Exhibit B.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or within a Designated Recreation Site listed in Exhibit B.
3. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.
4. Using an explosive.
5. Operating an internal combustion engine, except on a National Forest System road or trail.
As we prepare for the upcoming holiday, Forest officials remind visitors that fireworks, even “safe and sane” are not allowed in the Sierra National Forest. We have already seen fires spread quickly and consume hundreds of acres on Forest lands. It is extremely important that visitors don’t bring fireworks into the Forest.
All developed campgrounds located in the High Sierra and Bass Lake Ranger Districts will be open. In order to ensure a camping spot, advanced reservations are recommended by calling 1-877-444-6777 or at www.recreation.gov
Some campsites will not have drinking water this summer due to drought conditions. Rivers, including those in the backcountry, have less water than normal. Please come prepared with drinking water for the duration of your trip.
Visitors are allowed to have a portable gas stove or lantern (with a flame on/off switch) outside developed or designated areas with a valid California campfire permit.
A campfire permit can be obtained, free of charge, at any Forest Service, CALFIRE, or Bureau of Land Management office or by visiting the Sierra National Forest website above and downloading a copy of the permit.
Information about the Yosemite National Park can be found at www.nps.gov/yose or by calling (209) 372-0200. Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks can be found at www.nps.gov/seki or by calling (559) 565-3341. The Giant Sequoia National Monument and Sequoia National Forest can be reached at (559) 784-1500 or www.fs.usda.gov/sequoia
For up-to-date information please contact the Forest Service offices in Clovis at (559) 297-0706, North Fork (559) 877-2218, and Prather at (559) 855-5355. Office hours are from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Offices will be closed on Friday, July 4th.
