CLOVIS – Fire restrictions go into effect on the Sierra National Forest beginning Saturday, July 21.
Wood and charcoal fires will be restricted to designated recreation sites only, and other fire-related activities will be prohibited until the end of the 2018 fire year.
Gas or propane fires are allowed with a free 2018 California campfire permit.
“I am always hesitant to imposing restrictions on our visitors, but current conditions in the forest and in California have reached a point that restricting campfires to campgrounds is appropriate” said Sierra National Forest Supervisor Dean Gould.
“Visitors can help protect their forest by being aware of fire danger and reporting abandoned or illegal fires to 911 or to the nearest Ranger Station.”
On National Forest System Lands, fire restrictions mean:
- No wood or charcoal fires are allowed outside of exempted recreation sites (see Forest Orders) even with a valid campfire permit.
- No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or exempted recreation site.
- No fireworks. It is prohibited to possess or discharge any fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks on public lands.
- Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions but are allowed to use portable stoves or lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel. Permits are available free of charge at Forest Service Offices or online at http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit.
- Those with a valid 2018 wood cutting permit may cut firewood in compliance with the terms of their permit.
Residents and visitors are reminded that simple steps can help prevent human-caused fires.
- Make sure your campfire is dead out! Drown it, stir it, feel it. If it’s not cool to the touch, it isn’t out.
- Use of exploding targets, such as Binary Explosive Targets, and tracer rounds, while target shooting is both a fire hazard and illegal. The use of steel-core ammunition, although legal, can greatly increase the chance of a wildfire.
- Prevent vehicle-related fires by maintaining proper tire pressure, ensuring adequate tire tread, and checking your brakes for overheating.
- Avoid traveling or parking on brush or grass. Ensure chains are not dragging while towing.
- Motorcycles, ATV’s and chainsaws require an approved spark arrestor.
Motor vehicles are allowed only on designated National Forest System roads, routes, trails and areas as identified on the Sierra National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/sierra/recreation. The Sierra National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map is available for free at any Sierra National Forest office.
Questions about fire restrictions, designated recreation sites, motor vehicle use and firewood cutting on the Sierra National Forest may be directed to local Sierra National Forest Service offices including the Supervisor’s Office at (559) 297-0706 ext. 0; the Bass Lake Ranger District at (559) 877-2218 ext. 0; the High Sierra Ranger District at (559) 855-5355 ext. 0; and the Oakhurst Visitor Bureau at (559) 658-7588.
Help prevent wildfires. Remember – One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire.
