Stanislaus National Forest - New Fire Restrictions

New Fire Restrictions Will Take Effect Monday In Stanislaus National Forest

Friday, June 08, 2007 - 03:10 PM

BJ Hansen

MML News Reporter

Sonora, Ca -- The Forest Service announces that effective Monday, because of high fire danger, a Forest Order enacting temporary fire restrictions will go into effect in High Hazard Areas of the Stanislaus National Forest.

The fire restrictions prohibit campfires, briquette barbecues, and smoking outside developed campgrounds in designated High Hazard Areas of the Forest. Welding and blasting also are prohibited, except by special permit.

Forest Supervisor Tom Quinn noted, �Hot, dry weather and tinder-dry conditions continue to persist in high hazard areas of the Forest. This Forest Order serves as an extra measure to help reduce the potential for large and damaging wildfires. We are asking the public's cooperation in helping us prevent destructive fires before they start.�

The rules are as follows:

Campfires - Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, (including briquette type barbecue), or stove fire is prohibited, except within developed recreation sites. Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may use a portable stove or lantern that uses gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel.

Smoking - Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

Operating Internal Combustion Engines: Operation of internal combustion engines, including chainsaws, except on Forest developed roads, designated trails, and managed off-highway vehicle

Welding - Operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame is prohibited, except by permit.

Use of Explosives - Using an explosive is prohibited, except by permit.

Violations of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months. These temporary fire restrictions will remain in effect until the end of the 2007 fire season, or otherwise terminated.