Sonora, CA…The Stanislaus National Forest issued Forest Order STF-16-2020-08, which enacts campfire restrictions to protect natural resources, to provide for public and employee safety and community protection. Restrictions are effective immediately and are in effect until further notice. Igniting, building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire is prohibited on the Stanislaus National Forest outside of open, developed recreation sites and certain permitted facilities. A copy of the forest order can be viewed at https://go.usa.gov/xw2EH.

With an above-normal fire season projected for much of California and the combined potential for wildfires and smoke to impact communities and firefighters, the forest needs to reduce or eliminate this large ignition source and protect our firefighting resources. Forest Service officials are taking this necessary step to ensure that firefighters are available to safely respond and manage incidents. While 95 percent of all wildfires in California are human caused, here on the Stanislaus National Forest, escaped campfires are the second most prevalent source of wildfire, after lightning strikes.

“Our priority is to protect the health and well-being of our first responders and the public. We can do that by taking additional precautions now to prevent wildfire ignitions on the forest,” said Jason Kuiken, Stanislaus National Forest Supervisor. “Responding to wildfires can compromise our firefighters’ abilities to take precautions against the spread of COVID-19. I want residents and visitors to remember that we depend on you to help prevent wildfires as much as you depend on us to fight fire, especially in light of the current conditions.”

Forest visitors may still use pressurized liquid or gas devices, such as stoves, grills or lanterns with shut-off valves, in an area at least five feet from any flammable materials.

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