SIERRA NATIONAL FOREST – Based on changing weather trends, increases in relative humidity and a decrease in average temperatures, the Sierra National Forest is lifting the fire restrictions that were put in effect July 2.
Forest Visitors will still need to obtain a campfire permit when camping outside of designated campgrounds and follow all guidelines when having an open flame fire.
The following guidelines for forest campfires remain in effect:
• clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum of five feet in all directions to prevent escape of the fire;
• have a shovel available at the campfire site for preparing and extinguishing campfires;
• have a responsible person in attendance at all times;
• extinguish campfire with water, using the ‘drown, stir, and feel’ method; and
• in the wilderness, no campfires above 10,000 ft. (this varies by area, and will be posted on individual wilderness permits).
Woodcutting areas are still open. Please continue to contact the 24-hour information line at 559-346-1525 regarding restrictions. The recording is revised at 5 p.m. daily. Please be advised that woodcutting will close for the season Nov. 30.
For more information, please contact the Sierra National Forest at one of the following locations: Clovis 559-297-0706, North Fork 559-877-2218, or Prather 559-855-5355. Information is also available on the Sierra National Forest web site at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/sierra/.