Pinecrest Lake
Sierra Sun Times file photo

August 21, 2025 - SONORA, California – The Stanislaus National Forest will enter temporary fire restrictions in moderate fire hazard areas beginning August 20, effective through December 31, 2025.

With the Forest Order, the following activities are prohibited in Medium Fire Hazard Area:

1. Discharging a firearm. 36 CFR § 261.58(m) 

2. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except in the Developed Recreation Sites listed in Exhibit C. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a). 

3. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, within an open Developed Recreation Site listed in Exhibit C, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d). 

4. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame. 36 C.F.R.§ 261.52(h). 

5. Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device that is properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order in accordance with U.S. Forest Service Standard 5100-1. 36 C.F.R § 261.5(j). 

For a full list of developed campgrounds excluded from the order, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/stanislaus/alerts. Any questions or concerns should be directed to Forest Public Affairs Officer, Benjamin Cossel: benjamin.cossel@usda.gov or 209.288.6261.

Source: Stanislaus National Forest