Sonora, CA – Temporary forest fire restrictions will begin tomorrow and will last through the end of the year.
Stanislaus National Forest officials report, “With rising temperatures, dry conditions, and recreation increasing across the forest, the risk of wildfires has also increased. These restrictions are an 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.”
The temporary restrictions apply to the moderate- and high-fire-hazard areas. The forest order starts on Friday, July 17, 2026, and will remain in place through December 31, 2026.
The Forest Order halts the following activities in moderate and high fire hazard areas:
Discharging a firearm. 36 CFR § 261.58(m)
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except in the developed recreation sites listed in Exhibit C. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, within an open developed recreation site listed in Exhibit C, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).
- Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(h).
- Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark-arresting device that is properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order in accordance with U.S. Forest Service Standard 5100-1. 36 C.F.R. § 261.5(j).
Forest officials also provided this list of people exempt from this order:
- Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.
- Persons possessing a valid California hunting license are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above. However, persons with a valid hunting license and hunting during the open hunting season as specified by the laws of the State of California may discharge a firearm at a legal game bird or mammal.
- Persons with a valid California campfire permit are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above. However, persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may use a portable stove or lantern using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel on National Forest System lands within the Moderate and High Hazard Area.
- Any federal, state, or local officer or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
The forest order will remain in place through December 31, 2026.
