How to Enjoy the Outdoors Safely During Fire Season

Keep these tips in mind before you leave home as well as on the trail to make for an enjoyable outdoor experience during fire season!

1. Before going hiking or camping, check with public land management agencies for fire restrictions or area closures.
2. Plan ahead and prepare – know your route, sign in at the trailhead, let someone else know where you are going and be sure to know how to get out!
3. If you use a campfire, make sure it is fully extinguished before leaving the area – be sure it is cold to the touch.
4. If you are using a portable stove, make sure the area is clear of grasses and other fine fuels. Prevent stoves from tipping and starting a fire.
5. Consider alternatives to camp fires during periods of high fire danger.
6. Practice Leave No Trace principles – pack out cigarette butts and burned materials from your camping area.
7. Be aware of sudden changes in the weather or changing weather conditions. For example, if you see a thunderstorm approaching, consider leaving the area.
8. If you see smoke, fire, or suspicious activities, note the location as best you can and report it to authorities. Do NOT attempt to contact suspicious people or try to put out a fire by yourself.
9. If you see a wildland fire, report its location. Avoid traveling near it.
10. Be careful of parking or driving your car or ATV in tall, dry, vegetation, such as grass. The hot underside of the vehicle may start a fire.

Up to Date Information: For breaking news, listen to KVML (1450AM and FM102.7), KZSQ (Star 92.7FM) or KKBN (93.5FM) for fire alerts and more in depth fire information on myMotherLode.com

To Report a Fire, call 911 they will determine quickly what department to notify and help to dispatch aid to the location efficiently.

Burn Day and Permit Information: Click here for Burn day information

myMotherLode Fire Directory

Communities in the Mother Lode are especially vulnerable to wildfire, it’s important to be prepared. MyMotherLode.com was the source for local information during the 2013 Rim Fire and the 2015 Butte Fire, also in Mariposa the 2017 Detwiler Fire and one year later the Ferguson Fire, Donnell Fire, and Boot Fire.

The links below will give you some tools and practical information about reducing the risk of wildfire for your home and family. By respecting the defensible space rules, planning evacuation routines in advance and you can do a lot to protect your property and loved ones from wildfire.

Fire Maps