Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
Credit: NPS

September 8, 2020 - Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Calif. – Due to extreme fire danger, record setting temperatures, commitment of firefighting resources across the area and state, and national and geographical preparedness levels at PL-5, their highest levels, the parks are increasing fire restrictions.

Effective at 6:00 a.m. on September 8, 2020, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are enacting a parks-wide campfire and smoking ban. This includes all campgrounds, picnic and day-use areas, and wilderness locations inside the parks. There are no exceptions to this change.

“We need the public and our visitors help in preventing any new wildfires at this critical time,” said John Ziegler, parks’ fire management officer. “One less spark means one less fire.”

The increased fire restrictions can be summed up to be:
 

• Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are illegal at all elevations and locations.
  • Employee housing and private property throughout the parks are included.
• Gas, propane, alcohol (with and without a shutoff valve), and tablet/cube stoves are permitted in all areas.
• No smoking at any elevation except within an enclosed vehicle, a building in which smoking is allowed, or a designated smoking area.

These restrictions will remain in effect until conditions in the area have progressed to a point where minimal public hazard remains, as determined by the Parks’ Superintendent.

For information on the other fire restriction stage levels, please visit https://go.nps.gov/sekifirerestrictions
Source: Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks   Photo credit: USDA