Fire restrictions go into effect Saturday

Because of high fire danger, the U.S. Forest Service announced a forest order enacting temporary fire restrictions that will go into effect Saturday.

The fire restrictions prohibit campfires and briquette barbecue use outside developed campgrounds in designated high hazard areas of the forest, and smoking is severely restricted. Welding and blasting also are prohibited, except by special permit.

“A low snowpack, drying winds and recent hot temperatures have caused tinder-dry conditions in the forest and provided ready fuels for possible wildfires,” said Forest Supervisor Susan Skalski. “This forest order serves as an extra measure to help reduce the potential for large and damaging wildfires. We are asking the public’s cooperation in helping us prevent destructive fires before they start.”

Beginning at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, June 22, these prohibitions will go into effect by forest order in designated high hazard areas on the Groveland, Mi-Wok, Summit and Calaveras Ranger Districts of the Stanislaus National Forest

Campfires: Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, (including briquette-type barbecue), or stove fire is prohibited, except within developed recreation sites. Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may use a portable stove or lantern that uses gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel.

Smoking: Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

Welding: Operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame is prohibited, except by permit.

Use of explosives: Using an explosive is prohibited, except by permit.

The strip of National Forest land in the Moore Creek Campground area of the Calaveras Ranger District, along the south shore of the Mokelumne River and adjacent to Salt Springs Reservoir, is administered by the Eldorado National Forest.

For more information contact the Stanislaus National Forest Public Affairs Officer Jerry Snyder at 532-3671 ext. 244.