September 24, 2021 - CLOVIS, Calif. - The Sierra National Forest (SNF) will enhance the temporary fire restrictions that have been in place since June 24, 2021, effective on September 23, 2021, as a result of continued extremely high fire dangers on the SNF. The most notable additions now include the prohibition of campfires in developed recreation sites and wilderness areas. Visitors with a valid California Campfire permit may still use a portable stove or lantern using gas, or pressurized liquid fuel, as long as the device has a shut-off valve. The full Fire Restriction Order can be found at the link below:
Forest Order 05-15-00-21-20 – Fire Restrictions
www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/sierra/alerts-notices
“We share a responsibility to do what we reasonably can on the SNF to reduce the risk of wildfire, while being mindful that first responder resources are stretched very thin state-wide as well as nationally” said Forest Supervisor Dean Gould. Both this year and historically, escaped campfires have been one of the leading causes of new fire starts on the SNF. Human-caused ignitions are a significant fire management challenge for the SNF and unintentional human-caused ignitions far outnumber intentional ones. The surrounding Federal land managers of Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Inyo, Stanislaus and Sequoia National Forests have also gone into enhanced fire restrictions based on their current conditions.
Effective September 23, 2021 through November 15, 2021 the following temporary fire restrictions are in effect:
• No Campfires will be permitted in developed, non-developed campsites (Dispersed Locations), or day use areas, and wilderness lands.
• Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited.
• Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions. However, portable stoves with a shut-off valve that uses pressurized gas, liquid fuel, or propane are allowed with a valid California campfire permit. This includes the popular propane campfire ring.
• Stoves with a shut off valve are allowed in all other designated picnic areas.
• No Smoking is permitted 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.
• Free campfire permits are available at www.readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/campfire-safety/.
• No motorized vehicles off properly designated Forest Service roads or trails.
• No welding or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame on Forest Service lands.
Fireworks, exploding targets, tracer rounds, and other incendiary ammunition or devices (This includes sparklers or safe and sane fireworks) are not allowed in the SNF at any time.
Human-caused fires can be prevented. One less spark can mean one less wildfire. Do your part to prevent wildfires. To learn more, visit www.preventwildfireca.org/one-less-spark-one-less-wildfire.
Residents and visitors are reminded that simple steps can help prevent human-caused fires:
• Prevent vehicle related fires by maintaining proper tire pressure, ensuring adequate tire tread, and checking your brakes for overheating. Avoid traveling or parking on brush or grass. Ensure chains are not dragging while towing.
• Use of exploding targets, such as Binary Explosive Targets, incendiary, steel jacketed or armor piercing ammunition and tracer rounds, while recreationally shooting is both a fire hazard and illegal. The use of steel-core ammunition, although legal, can greatly increase the chance of a wildfire.
• Hunters actively engaged in the legal pursuit and take of game and non-game species must have a valid California hunting license and abide by California laws and regulations.
• Motorcycles, ATV’s and chainsaws require an approved spark arrestor.
A violation of these fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both, per 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581. Should a violation lead to a wildfire, additional costs for damages and restitution may also apply.
Help prevent wildfires … One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire.
Know Before You Go! For additional information regarding fire restrictions, please contact your local Ranger Station Monday – Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm or email SM.FS.Sierranfinfo@usda.gov for current information.
• High Sierra Ranger District 559-855-5355
• Bass Lake Ranger District 559-877-2218
• Supervisor’s Office 559-297-0706
Stay informed as we prepare to resume in-person services by following us on Facebook @SierraNF, or Twitter @Sierra_NF.
Source: SNF
