“We’ve been setting records for dry fuel conditions for more than 2 months,” said Forest Supervisor Jeff Marsolais. “Each day, we measure the dryness of the fuels which gives us an indication of how ready they are to burn. This measurement is compared against the same day for all previous years. Even last week, we hit 100% on 3 days which set a new all time record. As soon as we have enough moisture to make a difference in the fire potential, I will lift the restrictions.”

If you are planning to visit the Eldorado National Forest this weekend, here are some important things you should know:

Emergency Fire Prohibition – Regional Order 20-24 is in effect until midnight, and will be replaced by Forest Order 03-20-16 which prohibits smoking and all fires except using a gas stove at least 3 feet away from any flammable material.

Emergency Camping Prohibition – Forest Order 03-20-15 is in effect and prohibits camping forestwide except for in developed campgrounds. No overnight camping is allowed in dispersed areas, including Desolation and Mokelumne Wilderness areas. This order will be assessed after we receive precipitation this weekend.

Camping is only allowed in open developed campgrounds. Most campgrounds have closed for the season, but reservations can still be made at www.recreation.gov. As of November 6, 2020, six developed campgrounds are still open:

Day Use Updates

Fork Fire Closure – Crystal Basin Area

Interior burning continues on the Fork Fire which is 1,673 acres and 85% contained. Forest Order 03-20-19 prohibits entering the closure area around the Fork Fire due to ongoing fire activity and fire suppression operations. More information is available on Inciweb at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7165/ .

Point Fire – Nevada Point Ridge Area

The Point Fire is 93 acres, and 97% contained. This fire is located 4 1/2 miles west of the Fork Fire on the opposite side of the Rubicon Canyon. Both the Point Fire and the Fork Fire are burning in the footprint of the 2014 King Fire. More information is available on Inciweb at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7254/ .

ALERT: Visitors are asked to please avoid the 14N10 road on Nevada Point Ridge due to heavy equipment using that road for fire suppression repair and rehabilitation.

Hunting is allowed with the applicable license and tags in accordance with California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife regulations. Visitors can expect to see hunters hiking with rifles.

Visitor information specialists are available by phone to assist with trip planning from 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday:

·      Forest Supervisors’ Office – 530-303-2412

·      Georgetown Ranger District – 530-334-6477

·      Pacific / Placerville Ranger District – 916-500-4712

·      Amador Ranger District – 209-259-3774

For more information visit the forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/eldorado.

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The U.S.D.A Forest Service is an equal opportunity employer. The mission of the Forest Service is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the needs of present and future generations.