Stanislaus National Forest

News Release

USDA Forest Service
Stanislaus National Forest

Forest Fire Officials Announce Fire Season

Sonora, CA (May 22, 2008) ... The Forest Service today announced that effective Sunday, May 25, the Stanislaus National Forest (NF) officially begins fire season. Forest fire stations will be staffed for five-to-seven day coverage, firefighting crews readied, and fire prevention patrols deployed in dispersed camping areas to inform, educate, and enforce fire regulations.

Beginning May 25, the Forest will be fully staffed to address the threat of wildland fires this season. Firefighting resources include 11 fire engines with crews, two 20-person hotshot crews, four 10-person fire use crews, two dozers, and two water tenders. Additionally, fourteen fire prevention patrol units will be on duty, and fire detection lookout towers at Mount Elizabeth and Smith Peak will be operational. In June, the Forest’s firefighting capability will be further augmented by the addition of an initial attack helicopter and 14-person helitack crew.

The Stanislaus NF fire season announcement closely coordinates with the CAL FIRE (California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection) Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit (TCU) declaration announcing summer fire preparedness within its State Responsibility Areas (SRA). The two agencies cooperate, share firefighting assets when needed, and work with local counties, fire districts, and Fire Safe councils to provide for comprehensive community fire protection, and compliance with fire prevention regulations.

As the two agencies declare fire season and summer preparedness, fire officials are urging the public, local residents, and Forest visitors to maintain a heightened sense of awareness with any activity that may start a wildfire. As conditions continue to become warmer and drier, foothill and forest vegetation becomes more flammable, bringing the increasing threat of easily ignited accidental fires. Due to recent windy, extremely dry conditions, combined with low fuel moisture early this season, debris burning permits were suspended within the SRA on May 6.

Campfire permits have been required on the Stanislaus National Forest since May 1, and Forest fire officials are asking campers and all outdoor recreationists to be extra careful with campfires and barbeques again this summer.

Campfire Permits Required Outside Developed Campgrounds

Fire officials point out that extremely low rainfall has resulted in early-season dry conditions that would normally be considered above average for the month of June. Fire danger is expected to increase rapidly, with fire restrictions likely as days become longer, hotter, and drier. Forest visitors are encouraged to check with the Ranger Station nearest their planned destination to learn about the best places to camp, obtain campfire permits, receive an update on the current fire danger, and check to see if fire restrictions are in effect.

Forest fire officials are urging visitors to exercise extra caution to prevent their campfires and barbeques from escaping and causing accidental wildland fires. Always obtain a California Campfire Permit, where required, and carefully follow the permit terms, including fire prevention rules during fire restrictions.

• Always clear away all flammable vegetation to bare mineral soil 5 feet around campfires.
• Always extinguish all campfires and briquette barbeques with at least 5 gallons of water.
• Never build a campfire under overhanging tree limbs or near brush.
• Never build or maintain a campfire on a hot, dry, windy afternoon.
• Never leave a burning or smoldering campfire unattended—not even for one minute
• Always be sure your campfire and briquettes are out, dead out, before leaving camp at any time.

Campfire permits can be obtained for free at any USDA Forest Service or CAL FIRE office. For more information on outdoor recreation opportunities, call (209) 532-3671, or visit our Forest web site.