Moderate Fire Restrictions In Forest

Sonora, CA – The drought has created a high fire danger in the Stanislaus National Forest prompting fire restrictions in Moderate Hazard Areas.  Those bans will go into effect at noon on Friday, June 27.

Forest Spokesperson Veronica Garcia says, “We are actually earlier than last year. Last year the restrictions started on August 8 and now it’s about a month earlier. It’s the driest year on record and that is why we are taking this precaution.”

Here is the Forest Service’s list of restrictions on the Groveland, Mi-Wok, Summit, and Calaveras Ranger Districts of the Stanislaus National Forest:

• Campfires: Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, (including briquette type barbecue), or stove fire is prohibited, except within developed recreation sites. Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may use a portable stove or lantern that uses gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel.
• 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.
•  Welding: Operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame is prohibited, except by permit.
•  Explosives: Using an explosive is prohibited, except by permit.