Sonora, Calif. (Oct. 2, 2014)…Due to cooler, wetter weather and predictions of stable or cooling conditions into the future, fire restrictions on the Stanislaus National Forest (NF) are being lifted effective midnight tonight.

This will allow the public to build campfires outside of established administrative sites within the Forest for the purpose of warming; however, visitors are reminded there is still a CAL FIRE, statewide ban on debris burning in effect.

“Though fire restrictions are being lifted, overall Forest conditions are still dry,” said Deputy Forest Fire Management Officer, Robert Laeng. “I encourage the public to enjoy recreating on public lands and to continue to be vigilant with fire safety.”

Unfortunately, Forest personnel continue to find unattended campfires which require prevention action. Though natural causes account for over 50 percent of wildfires on the Stanislaus NF, human caused wildfire is also a major source. For more information on preventing unwanted wildfire, please visit the One Less Spark Campaign page.

Fire permits, along with fire safety information can be obtained at no charge to the public at any Forest Service Visitor Information Office. For more Forest information, visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/stanislaus. To speak with a Visitor Information Specialist, please call: Stanislaus Supervisor’s Office at 209-532-3671; Calaveras Ranger District (RD) at 209-795-1381; Groveland RD at 209-962-7825; Mi-Wok RD at 209-586-3234; or Summit RD at 209-965-3434. Follow us on Twitter: @RimFireRecovery and Facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Forest-Service-Stanislaus-National-Forest/1519091634969249?sk=timeline.