Sierra National Forest
Credit: USDA file photo
July 2, 2020 - CLOVIS, CA. – Will you be celebrating our nation’s independence over the 4th of July Holiday Weekend with a visit to the Sierra National Forest (SNF)? Activities such as camping, backpacking, and picnicking in the great outdoors are often enjoyed by a campfire.
We anticipate that Independence Day 2020 will be a very busy one on the SNF, and we would like all visitors to be prepared before you head out to your favorite forest location this weekend.
The SNF would like to remind visitors that campfire restrictions to protect the health and safety of employees and communities, are in effect and will continue through the 4th of July weekend, and beyond. Outside of open developed recreation sites and certain permitted facilities, igniting, building, maintaining or using a fire on the SNF and national forests in California will be prohibited.
Forest Service officials took this step early in the season to ensure that firefighters are available to safely and quickly respond to incidents. With the above-normal fire season projected in much of California, and the combined potential for wildfires and smoke to impact communities and firefighters, we need to reduce or eliminate this large ignition source and protect our firefighting resources.
“95% of wildfires in California are human-caused. Many of these wildfires occur close to roadways, communities and recreational areas, posing a considerable threat to public safety,” said Dean A. Gould, Forest Supervisor. “These restrictions and the public’s efforts to prevent human-caused fires is always important, but this year especially presents additional challenges for fire response. Please help us keep our firefighters, forest and local communities safe by reducing as many fire responses as possible.”
Over the 4th of July weekend here are a few tips to follow, for you to recreate and enjoy the forest responsibly and safely when there are “fire restrictions” in place:
• Forest visitors are still able to use pressurized liquid or gas devices (stoves, grills, lanterns, or rings) that produce a flame with shut-off valves, in an area at least three feet from any flammable materials with a valid campfire permit.
• To obtain your campfire permit on-line follow this link www.preventwildfireca.org
The use of fireworks is strictly prohibited on the Sierra National Forest. Fireworks and other pyrotechnic devices are prohibited on national forest lands year-round, regardless of weather conditions or holidays. Forest Service Fire Prevention and Law Enforcement patrols will check campsites and strictly enforce the prohibition on fireworks. Violators may be cited and fireworks confiscated.
• It Can Cost You - You can/will be held liable for the cost of suppression and damages caused by any wildfire that starts through campfire/fireworks negligence.
The SNF also boasts a few popular lakes in the area where visitors enjoy watersports and swimming. As inviting as the water seems on a hot day it can be very dangerous. Be cautious anytime you or your family are near lakes, rivers and streams. Here are a few tips to follow, for you to recreate in or around water on the SNF safely and responsibly;
• Inquire about swimming regulations. At some recreation sites swimming is not recommended or may even be prohibited. Follow "No Swimming" signs.
• Where allowed, choose swimming areas carefully. Often hazards are not visible in what may seem like a good place to swim or wade.
• Wear a properly fitting personal floatation device (life jacket) for all water activities, especially boating.
• When boating be sure to follow the established rules of the waterways. Do not mix alcohol and boating together.
• Keep a close watch on children even if they are far from the water. Water safety for children is especially important as they can quickly enter the water when your attention is diverted for only a moment.
• For more tips on swimming safely in rivers, lakes and streams open the following https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/water-safety
Do your part: If you or anyone in your household is feeling sick, please remain at home and plan your trip for another time. All visitors should practice self-sufficiency during your visits to the national forest.
Recreating responsibly will help ensure that expanded access to recreational facilities, services, and opportunities continue.
These Practices should be exercised at all times, including:
• Maintaining at least six feet distancing from others
• Do not gather in groups and please follow the latest guidance from officials
• Communicate with others as you pass. Alert trail users of your presence and step aside to let others pass
• Pack out your trash and leave with everything you bring in and use.
• All services may not be available, so please plan accordingly.
Know Before You Go: Become familiar with the area that you are visiting. Call the local Forest Service office near the area you will be visiting to check conditions, restrictions and closures. Due to widespread tree mortality some campgrounds are closed.
For further information regarding the Sierra National Forest and recreational activities please contact the High Sierra Ranger District office in Prather, Calif. at 559-855-5355 ext.0, 3300 or 3301; the Bass Lake Ranger District in North Fork, Calif. at 559-877-2218 ext. 0; or the Forest Supervisors Office in Clovis, Calif. at 559-297-0706, or go online to www.fs.usda.gov/sierra
To remain informed on SNF recreational activities please follow our webpage at www.fs.usda.gov/sierra, FaceBook at www.facebook.com/SierraNF, and Twitter at www.twitter.com/SierraNF.
Source: Sierra National Forest
