Fire Season Set To Open In Stanislaus National Forest

Sonora, Ca — Despite the recent rainfall, fire season will officially open Sunday in the Stanislaus National Forest.

Fire stations in the forest will be fully staffed to address the treat of wildland fires. Resources will include 11 fire engines, two 20-person hotshot crews, four 10-person fire use crews, two dozers and two water tenders. Additionally, 14 fire prevention patrol units will be on duty, and fire detection lookout towers at Mt. Elizabeth and Smith Peak will be operational.

In June, the Forest´s firefighting capability will be further augmented by the addition of an initial attack helicopter and a 14-person helitack crew.

Campfire permits are currently required within the Stanislaus National Forest, and officials are asking campers to be extra careful this summer.

Written by BJ Hansen