Stanislaus National Forest urges hunters to be fire safe during hunting season

SONORA, California – Hunting season begins in Tuolumne and Mariposa counties on Sept. 16 and in Calaveras County on Sept. 23, and Forest officials urge hunters to plan for fire safety.

“Stanislaus National Forest is experiencing frequent lightning storms, which increase the potential of fire activity,” said Scott Tangenberg, acting Forest Supervisor. “We want hunters to not only know where current fires are burning, but also to know what to do if they find themselves in a fire situation.”

About 37 lightning fires are burning on Stanislaus National Forest, most of which are single trees that were struck by lightning and have a low potential for increased fire activity, Tangenberg said. “Nevertheless, any fire has the potential to expand, so we strongly recommend everyone remain aware of the closure that is in effect.”

The closure includes the fire area west of Arnot Trail, Fence Creek Road and French Creek Campground. All other areas near Clarks Fork have been reopened, but visitors are cautioned to remain vigilant.

“In addition to Forest closures, we want to remind visitors that we enacted temporary fire restrictions in Moderate Hazard Areas that are in effect through the end of the fire season,” Tangenberg added. Forest Order STF-16-2017-08 prohibits campfires, cook stoves and smoking outside developed campgrounds, except in the Developed Recreation Sites. To see the fire restrictions visit https://go.usa.gov/xRjQ5.

“In addition to the fire situation, we strongly encourage hunters to learn about Forest road conditions before arriving,” Tangenberg said. “Last winter’s storms damaged a lot of our Forest roads and many remain closed or barely passible. Our front desk staff have both fire and road information, so checking with them before entering the Forest could help you plan a safe visit.”

Visitors may also call the Fire Information line at (209) 770-6156 to learn more about the fires burning on the Forest and go to https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/stanislaus/stormdamage to see which roads are open and which are closed.