August 5, 2019 - SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. - Due to decreasing fuel moistures, increase in temperatures, and increased fuel loading due to late season rains in 
the Kaweah River drainage, along with current moderate-high fire danger and entering into the hottest part of the year, fire danger is even more of a concern. Therefore, Stage 1 fire restrictions will be effective at noon on August 5, 2019.
“Hotter temperatures have cured annual grasses at lower elevations creating a greater risk for wildfire in our foothill areas,” said Ned Kelleher, Chief Ranger for Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. “In areas where campfires are still permitted, visitors should keep fires small and fully extinguish them when unattended.”
The purpose of fire restrictions is to reduce the risk of unwanted human-caused wildfire in high-risk areas this time of year.
Therefore, directed by the Superintendent of the parks, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions will be effective at 12:00 p.m. on August 5, 2019.
- Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited in South Fork campground. All fires and stoves are allowed in all other campgrounds.
- Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited below 6,000 feet in wilderness. Year-round elevation/site-specific wilderness fire restrictions also apply.
- Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited in Hospital Rock and Ash Mountain picnic areas. All fires and stoves are allowed in all other designated picnic areas.
- Smoking is also prohibited below 6,000 feet, except within an enclosed vehicle, a building in which smoking is allowed, a campground or picnic area where wood and charcoal fires are allowed, or a designated smoking area.
- Gas, propane, alcohol (with and without a shutoff valve) and tablet/cube stoves are still permitted in all areas.
Source: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Photo credit: USDA
