Fire Ban Begins At Midnight In Forest

Stanislaus National Forest, CA — Visitors will no longer be able to ignite a fire outside of designated areas on the Stanislaus National Forest starting July 1.

The temporary high hazard area fire restrictions are due to heightened fire danger as Forest Service spokesperson Rebecca Garcia explains, “This is an annual occurrence and the drought has made fuels out there drier. However, every year we will have hit certain indices where the fuels moisture is low and the relative humidity is also low and at that point is it time to go into fire restrictions in order to prevent large wildfires.”

Besides campfires, the order also prohibits briquette barbecues, smoking outside developed campgrounds, welding and blasting activities. Forest officials warn that these areas will be patrolled and those caught violating the ban will be cited and fined.

The restrictions run through the official 2016 fires season, according to Garcia.