Contact: Sue Exline 559-297-0706 x 4804
For immediate release.
Clovis (July 30, 2008)...Due to unprecedented heat and drought like conditions, the Sierra National Forest will implement fire restrictions from the National Forest boundary in the foothills to 6,000 feet in elevation in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Beginning Monday, August 3rd and until further notice, restrictions are being implemented in the Moderate and High Hazard areas of the forest.
Fire Restrictions Prohibit:
- Open flame fires below 6,000 feet in elevation (or where posted). Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire (except a portable stove using gas or pressurized liquid) outside of designated recreation sites.
- Smoking except in an enclosed vehicle or a designated recreation site. Smoking while hiking, horseback riding, or while riding in an open vehicle is prohibited.
- Operation of an internal combustion engine except on a road, designated trail or by special use permit. A road is defined as a motor vehicle route over 50 inches wide. A sign or marker indicates a trail.
- Blasting or welding except by special use permit. Please contact your local Ranger Station for more information.
- Open burning (e.g. weeds, brush and yard debris).
- Restrictions on chain saw use. Chainsaw use for firewood cutting will be regulated by the Fire Danger Rating System. When fire danger levels reach very high and extreme, chainsaw use is restricted. Please make sure to contact the 24-hour fire weather information line at 559-346-1525. The recording is revised daily at 5:00 pm.
Fore more information please contact a Forest Service Office in North Fork at 559-877-2218, Prather at 559-855-5355, and Clovis at 559-297-0706.