Stanislaus National Forest

News Release

USDA Forest Service
Stanislaus National Forest

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.