U.S. Forest Service Sets Fire Restrictions

By Bill Johnson Published Jul 18, 2006 08:00 am Updated Jan 31, 2009 01:55 pm

Sonora, CA — Due to the extremely high fire danger in the Mother Lode this summer, the U.S. Forest Service has announced a series of temporary restrictions that will go into effect this Friday at 12:01am in the high hazard areas of the Stanislaus National Forest.

These restrictions will prohibit campfires, briquette barbecues and smoking outside developed campgrounds. Welding and blasting are also prohibited except by special permit.

These restrictions will cover the lower elevation zones, generally ranging below 6,000 feet on the Groveland, Mi-Wok, Summit and Calaveras Ranger Districts of the Stanislaus National Forest. These restrictions will remain in effect through the end of the 2006 fire season.

Individual fines could total as much as $5,000 … organizational fines would be limited to $10,000. Imprisonment could also be considered for violators.

For additional details on the Stanislaus National Forest click HERE.

Written by Bill Johnson