Sonora, CA…The Forest Service today announced that, because of high fire danger, a Forest Order enacting temporary fire restrictions is in effect in Moderate and High Hazard Areas of the Stanislaus National Forest (NF). The fire restriction prohibits campfires, briquette barbecues, and smoking outside developed campgrounds in designated Moderate and High Hazard Areas of the Forest. Welding and blasting also are prohibited, except by special permit. 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.

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2015, the following prohibitions are in effect by Forest Order in designated Moderate and High Hazard Areas on the Groveland, Mi-Wok, Summit, and Calaveras Ranger Districts of the Stanislaus National Forest:

· Campfires. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except in the developed recreation sites listed in Exhibit C. 36 CFR 26l.52 (a).

· 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 [36 CFR 261.50 (d)].

· Welding. Operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame is prohibited [36 CFR 261.50 (i)].

· Use of Explosives. Using an explosive is prohibited [36 CFR 261.50 (b)].

Copies of the Forest Order and maps displaying the fire hazard zones are available for viewing at Forest Offices in Sonora, Mi-Wuk Village, Pinecrest, Groveland, and Hathaway Pines.

The restrictions on open sources of fire in the Moderate and High Hazard Area will be actively patrolled by Stanislaus Forest Law Enforcement Officers and Fire Prevention Specialists. Persons who knowingly violate these restrictions on open sources of fire may be cited by Forest Officers.

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