SEQUOIA NATIONAL FOREST PORTERVILLE, CALIF., MAY 26 –
The Sequoia National Forest will enact fire restrictions prohibiting campfires, welding, or smoking on all public lands managed by the Forest below 5,000 feet, including developed or non-developed campsites. Campfires will only be allowed above 5,000 feet in developed campgrounds managed by the Forest Service or concessionaire, Rocky Mountain Recreation Company.
When a forest fire ignites, the proximity of the Forest to large population centers and communities within the wildland-urban interface creates a situation in which the potential for catastrophic property damage and loss of life is high. In California, over the past ten years, escaped campfires have accounted for igniting 25% of all wildfires. Reducing the number of these starts will best enable us to successfully suppress the fires that do occur while protecting the safety of our employees and the community.
Our priority is to protect the health and well-being of our first responders and the public. This means that we are taking additional precautions now to prevent wildfire ignitions in the Forest.
Effective May 26 through November 30, 2022, the following restrictions are in effect below 5,000 feet:
- No Campfires below 5,000 feet.
- Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions. However, a valid California campfire permit allows portable stoves with a shut-off valve that uses pressurized gas, liquid fuel, or propane. Free campfire permits are available at www.readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/campfire-safety/
- Fireworks, exploding targets, tracer rounds, and other incendiary ammunition or devices are not allowed in the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument.
