SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – As of today, June 30, fires of any kind are banned on the Sierra National Forest, except as listed below.
With thousand hour fuel moisture at less than 14 percent and a drying trend predicted, Forest Supervisor Dean Gould has declared these prohibitions effective immediately. The Order reads as follows:
Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and 36 CFR 261.50a), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Sierra National Forest. This Order is effective from June 30, 2015 through the end of the official 2015 fire season.
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except in Designated Wilderness Areas listed in Exhibit A and Designated Recreation Sites listed in Exhibit B, both listed below.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or within Designated Wilderness Areas listed in Exhibit A and Designated Recreation Sites listed in Exhibit B below.
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.
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Any Federal, State or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. Persons with a permit from the Forest Service specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
3. Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above. However, persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may use a portable lantern or stove using contained gas, or pressurized liquid fuel with a fuel shut off valve.
4. Persons with a Special Use Permit from the Forest Service for a recreation residence may use a campfire or stove fire at their recreation residence.
A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
