Stanislaus National Forest enacts temporary fire restrictions in Moderate Hazard Areas

Sonora, Calif.– Due to high fire danger, the Stanislaus National Forest enacted temporary fire restrictions in Moderate Hazard Areas on Aug. 26, effective through the end of the official 2017 fire season. These restrictions are in addition to High Hazard Area fire restrictions, which became effective July 20. Included are the Moderate Hazard Area map (Exhibit A), Forest Order (Exhibit B) and the exemptions list (Exhibit C). Information on fire restrictions and the Forest Order are available at https://go.usa.gov/xRjQ5.

Forest Order STF-16-2017-08 prohibits campfires, cook stoves and smoking outside developed campgrounds, except in the Developed Recreation Sites listed in Exhibit C. Welding and blasting activities in are also restricted in designated Moderate Hazard Areas of the Forest.

In specific cases, individuals may be exempt from these fire restrictions. For further information, please review the Forest Order and High Hazard Area map on the Forest web site. This Forest Order serves as an extra measure to help reduce the potential for large and damaging wildfires.

Stanislaus National Forest leadership and fire personnel thank the public for doing their part to help prevent destructive wildfires. Please know the restrictions in Moderate and High Hazard areas will be actively patrolled by Forest law enforcement officers and fire prevention specialists. Persons found in violation of these fire restrictions may be cited and fined.

Criteria for activating prohibitions in the Moderate Fire Hazard Area through a forest order are based on National Fire Danger Rating System indices and fuel moisture conditions. The Forest currently meets the criteria for activating the Moderate Fire Hazard fire restrictions using the Mt. Elizabeth weather station as a representative site. These restrictions are believed to be the most immediate and effective method to reduce the potential for loss of life and property, and to protect the physical, biological, and cultural resources of the forest from fire.