Fire Restrictions Lifted In High Hazard Areas

Sonora, CA -- Effective today fire restrictions in effect since July 22 in the "high hazard" areas have been lifted.

Public Information Officer Pat Kaunert comments, "Upon lifting of the restriction visitors may use wood, charcoal, or gas fires or stoves outside of developed campgrounds as long as they possess a valid California Campfire Permit and follow the permit regulations."

Campfire Permits require the following: clear all flammable material away from the campfire, barbecue, or gas stove for a minimum of five feet in all directions down to bare mineral soil to prevent escape of the fire ... have a shovel available at the campfire site for preparing and extinguishing campfires ... have a responsible person in attendance at all times (never leave a fire unattended) ... extinguish the campfire with plenty of water, using the "drown, stir and feel" method ... during dry, windy weather conditions, avoid building and maintaining campfires.

A final reminder; the suspension on open residential dooryard burning remains in effect.

Written by bill.johnson@mlode.com