Fire
Restrictions Go Into Effect in Moderate Hazard Areas
Sonora, CA (August 6, 2008) ... The Forest Service today
announced that, because of high fire danger, a Forest Order enacting temporary
fire restrictions is in effect in Moderate Fire Hazard Areas of the Stanislaus
National Forest (NF).
The fire restriction prohibits campfires, briquette barbecues, and smoking
outside developed campgrounds in designated Moderate Hazard Areas of the Forest.
Welding and blasting also are prohibited, except by special permit. Forest
Supervisor Susan Skalski noted, “Hot, dry weather and tinder-dry conditions
continue to persist in moderate hazard areas of the Forest. This Forest Order
serves as an extra measure to help reduce the potential for large and damaging
wildfires. We are asking the public's cooperation in helping us prevent
destructive fires before they start.”
The following prohibitions are in effect by Forest Order in designated
Moderate Fire Hazard Areas on the Mi-Wok, Summit, and Calaveras Ranger Districts
of the Stanislaus National Forest:
Campfires. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire,
(including briquette type barbecue), or stove fire is prohibited, except within
developed recreation sites. Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may
use a portable stove or lantern that uses gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized
liquid fuel. [36 CFR 261.52 (a)].
Smoking. Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or
building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least
three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material [36
CFR 261.52 (d)].
Operating Internal Combustion Engines. Operation of internal
combustion engines, including chainsaws, except on Forest developed roads,
designated trails, and managed off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails [36 CFR 261.52
(h)].
Welding. Operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame is
prohibited, except by permit [36 CFR 261.52 (i)].
Use of Explosives. Using an explosive is prohibited, except by permit
[36 CFR 261.52 (b)].
Violations of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than
$5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not
more than six months, or both [16 USC 551; and 18 USC 3559; and 18 USC 3571].
These temporary fire restrictions will remain in effect until the end of the
2008 fire season, or otherwise terminated. Copies of the Forest Order and maps
displaying the fire hazard zones are available for viewing at Forest Offices in
Sonora, Mi-Wuk Village, Pinecrest, Groveland, and Hathaway Pines. The order and
hazard area map may also be viewed on the Forest website.
These temporary fire restrictions by Forest Order suspend open campfires in
moderate hazard areas, except in developed campgrounds and recreation sites. A
list of designated campgrounds is available at
Forest Service offices.
Additionally, the Stanislaus NF will continue to enforce California State
fire laws, and support the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection
(CAL FIRE) and other agencies in a joint fire prevention effort. Earlier this
year CAL FIRE TCU suspended all burning permits within the State Responsibility
Areas of Tuolumne, Calaveras, Eastern San Joaquin, and Eastern Stanislaus
Counties. This suspension also applies to Mariposa County within the CAL FIRE
Madera Mariposa Merced Unit. The CAL FIRE open burning suspension does not
include campfires in organized campsites open to the public.
Personal use fuel wood cutting with a chainsaw is permissible on Stanislaus
National Forest Land, with a valid permit. Personal use woodcutters should check
in advance by calling (209) 532-5601 for recorded daily fire danger and wood
cutting information.
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