September 3, 2022 - SONORA, Calif. - The Bureau of Reclamation bans the use of charcoal and other ash-producing fuels in New Melones recreation areas starting Friday, Sept. 2 through Nov. 15, and may be extended if extreme fire conditions persist.

This ban improves public safety during an already severe fire season in California. Cooking fires using charcoal briquettes and wood campfires create embers that can easily be blown into dry vegetation, igniting wildfires.

Reclamation requires visitors use propane-fueled stoves for cooking at New Melones Reservoir.

Park Rangers will post signs that will inform visitors of the temporary ban upon entrance to recreation areas. 

Call the New Melones Administration Office for questions at 209-536-9094, ext. 0, or visit the New Melones website at https://www.usbr.gov/mp/ccao/newmelones/.


New Melones Lake 
Credit: USBR
Source: USBR