Passes & Permits - Campfire Permits
CAMPFIRE PERMIT FAQs
How much do they cost? - Permits are free.
Where can I obtain a permit? - Any Forest Service,
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection Office, or
Bureau of Land Management office.
How long is the permit good
for? - Your campfire
permit is valid from the date issued
until the end of the calendar year
(December 31st).
Where can I use it? -
The permit may be used in most National
Forests in California and on Bureau of
Land Management
land. For National Forests in Southern
California, please call the individual
forest for local information and regulations.
When you obtain a Campfire Permit you agree to:
- Clear all flammable material away from the fire for a minimum
of five feet in all directions to prevent escape of the fire.
Meadows make poor campsite locations as you will destroy sections
of the meadow with the campfire and the clearance.
- Have a shovel available at the campfire site for preparing
and extinguishing campfires.
- Have a responsible person in attendance at all times. Leave
the permit with that person and make sure they are aware of the
terms of the permit.
HOW TO SAFELY BUILD A CAMPFIRE
Prepare Your Site -
Find a level spot away from overhanging
branches, brush, or dry grass. Keep away
from the base
of a hill. Escaped fires travel uphill
fast. With a shovel, clear a circle 10
feet wide down to bare dirt. Hollow out
a fire pit 6
inches deep and 2 feet across at the
center of the cleared circle. Pile the
dirt around the fire pit. Keep your fire
small. Use existing
fire rings where available to reduce
the number of disturbed areas and damage
to soil cover and vegetation
Beware of the Duff -
Duff is the layer of decomposing wood
material that lies on the forest floor
between pine needles
and bare dirt. Many times it may look
like dirt, but it isn't. Duff burns,
dirt doesn't. It allows even the smallest
ember to smolder
for days, most times underground and
unnoticed, until enough heat is built
up to produce flames. Don't let the duff
fool you.
Attend to Your Fire - Never leave your campfire
unattended, even for a few minutes or if you take a nap.
Drown the Fire - Drown your campfire 1/2 hour
before you break camp. Use your shovel to separate the burning pieces
of wood in the fire pit.
Stir and Mix - Stir and mix water with the ashes
until the fire is out. Don't try to bury the fire under dirt, it
can smolder for hours and then escape.
Drown Briquettes - Charcoal briquettes should
be extinguished by dumping into a pail of water, mixing thoroughly,
and then place into the fire pit.
Feel the Ashes - Feel the ashes to be sure the
fire is out. Before you leave the campsite, check the area within
50 feet of the fire for sparks or embers that may have escaped.
It Can Cost You - You will be held liable for
the cost of suppression and damages caused by any wildfire that
starts through negligence on your part.
Come Prepared - Obtain your campfire permit, bring
your shovel, and a pail for water.
SPECIAL RESTRICTIONS
Some areas, such as wilderness, have
special restrictions regarding campfire
use. It is your responsibility to find
out what these restrictions
are. The best way to do this is by contacting
a local office in the area you intend
to visit. Also, during the summer months,
as
fire danger increases, fire restrictions
are put into effect. Strict compliance
with fire restrictions is required.
Definition: A campfire
is a fire which is used for cooking,
personal warmth, lighting, ceremonial
or esthetic purposes that is not within
a building, mobile home or living accommodations
mounted on a motor vehicle. Campfires
include wood fires, charcoal fires, and
portable gas stoves using gas, jellied
petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel.
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