Stage 2 Fire Restrictions in Effect June 28, 2017 for SEKI

SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. June 20, 2017– Due to rapidly decreasing fuel moistures, increase in temperatures, and increased fuel loading due to a wet winter in the Kaweah Rivers drainage fire restrictions, will now be in effect starting June 28, 2017. Additionally, the Dinley Fire was the largest fire in Three Rivers since the 1996 Kaweah Fire and demonstrates how fast a fire can move in this steep and rugged terrain.

With current moderate-high fire danger and the start of summer, hot weather will cause fire danger to increase even more and the park will be in high-very high fire danger, especially at lower elevations. Additionally, all across the state, areas are beginning to see the growth of large wildfires fueled by above-normal temperatures stretching resources.

“The purpose of fire restrictions is to reduce the risk of unwanted wildfire in areas of the parks that are the hottest and driest this time of year,” said Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Superintendent Woody Smeck. “We must be proactive in our fire management in order to protect life and property.”

Therefore, directed by the Superintendent of the parks, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will be effective at 8:00 a.m. on June 28, 2017.

This means that wood or charcoal fire will be prohibited in Buckeye Flat, Potwisha, and South Fork Campgrounds, as well as Ash Mountain and Hospital Rock Picnic Areas. This also includes Wilderness areas below 6,000 feet. Smoking is also prohibited below 6,000 feet, except within an enclosed vehicle, a building in which smoking is allowed, a campground or picnic area where wood and charcoal fires are allowed, or a designated smoking area. Gas, propane, alcohol (with and without a shutoff valve) and tablet/cube stoves are still permitted in all areas.

For information on the other fire restriction stage levels, please visit http://go.nps.gov/sekifirerestrictions