Fire Resrictions In Effect For Moderate Hazard Areas Of Stanislaus

Sonora, Ca — Due to the dry conditions, temporary fire restrictions are now in effect for the Moderate Hazard Areas of the Stanislaus National Forest.

The fire restrictions prohibit campfires, briquette barbecues, and smoking outside of developed campgrounds in designated Moderate Hazard Areas of the Forest. Welding and blasting are also prohibited, except by special permit.

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 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

Operation of internal combustion engines, including chainsaws, except on Forest developed roads, designated trails, and managed off-highway vehicle (OHV) trails is prohibited.

Operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame is prohibited, except by permit. It is also illegal to use an explosive without a permit.

Violations of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for no more than six months.

These temporary fire restrictions will remain in effect until the end of the 2008 fire season, or otherwise terminated.

Written by BJ Hansen