Due to cooler, wetter weather and predictions of stable or cooling conditions into the future, High Hazard and Moderate Hazard fire restrictions on the Stanislaus National Forest (NF) are being lifted effective Friday, October 21, 2016, pursuant to STF order 16-2016-05. This will allow the public to build campfires outside of established administrative sites within the Forest.

“The longer nights and shorter days have lowered our fire danger indices,” said Forest Fire Management Officer, Dave Updike. “Though fire restrictions are being lifted, overall Forest conditions are still dry and Forest visitors should continue to be vigilant with fire safety. Always use caution when burning, follow all guidelines provided, and maintain control of the fires at all times.”

Unfortunately, Forest personnel continue to find unattended campfires which require prevention action. Though natural causes account for over 50 percent of wildfires on the Stanislaus NF, human caused wildfire is also a major source. For more information on preventing unwanted wildfire, please visit the One Less Spark Campaign page. Visit the Leave No Trace website, LNT.org, Principle 5 -“Minimize Campfire Impacts” for more information on how to safely build a fire while reducing your impact on the land.

Fire permits, along with fire safety information can be obtained at no charge to the public at any Forest Service Visitor Information Office. For more Forest information, visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/stanislaus. To speak with a Visitor Information Specialist, please call: Stanislaus Supervisor’s Office at 209-532-3671; Calaveras Ranger District (RD) at 209-795-1381; Groveland RD at 209-962-7825; Mi-Wok RD at 209-586-3234; or Summit RD at 209-965-3434.