U.S. Forest Service Enacts Temporary Fire Restrictions In High Hazard Areas

Sonora, Calif. June 30, 2016…Due to high fire danger, temporary fire restrictions are in effect in High Hazard Areas on the Stanislaus National Forest (STF) July 1 through the end of the official 2016 fire season. Forest Order 16-2016-3 prohibits campfires, briquette barbecues and smoking outside developed campgrounds, as well as welding and blasting activities in designated High Hazard Areas of the forest – fireworks are not allowed on the forest at any time.

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In some specific cases, individuals may be exempt from these fire restrictions. For further information, please review the forest order and high hazard area map. This Forest Order serves as an extra measure to help reduce the potential for large and damaging wildfires.

Stanislaus National Forest leadership and fire personnel thank the public for doing their part to help prevent destructive wildfires. Please know the restrictions in High Hazard Areas will be actively patrolled by STF, Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Prevention Specialists. Persons found in violation of these fire restrictions may be cited and fined.

Criteria for activating prohibitions in the High Fire Hazard Area through a forest order is based on National Fire Danger Rating System indices and fuel moisture conditions. The Forest currently meets the criteria for activating the High Fire Hazard fire restrictions using the Mt. Elizabeth weather station as a representative site. These restrictions are believed to be the most immediate and effective method to reduce the potential for loss of life and property, and to protect the physical, biological, and cultural resources of the forest from fire.

For further Forest information, call: the Stanislaus NF Supervisor’s Office at: 209-532-3671; Calaveras Ranger District (RD) at 209-795-1381; Groveland RD 209-962-7825; Mi-Wok RD at 209-586-3234 or Summit RD at 209-965-3434.
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