Sequoia National Forest officials issue fire restrictions

Hume Lake, Kern River and Western Divide Ranger Districts are impacted

Campfire and smoking restrictions will be implemented on the Sequoia National Forest, Giant Sequoia National Monument beginning today and continue until further notice.

According to Forest Supervisor Kevin Elliott, campfires below 4,000 feet will not be allowed within the Sequoia National Forest or Giant Sequoia National Monument.

“The Sequoia National Forest is experiencing unprecedented tree mortality, with approximately 600,000 acres affected,” Elliott said. “These conditions, coupled with twice the normal spring precipitation resulted in a heavy grass fuel load.”

Criteria, officials consider before implementing fire restrictions include current and predicted weather, fuels conditions, fire activity levels and available resources.

The following is prohibited below 4,000 feet in the Sequoia Nation Forest except in areas listed as exempt:

- No campfires or charcoal fires are allowed, except, in designated campgrounds and areas posted as “exempt areas” and with a valid California Campfire Permit. Visit www.fs.usda.gov/ detail/sequoia for a list of exempt areas. Free Campfire Permits are available at Forest Service offices and www. preventwildfireca.org/ Campfire-permit.

- No smoking is permitted, except within enclosed vehicles or buildings, developed recreation sites and other designated areas as listed.

- Operating an internal combustion engine off of properly designated roads or trails and welding are all strictly prohibited during the increased fire restriction period.

Fireworks, exploding targets, tracer rounds and other incendiary ammunition or devices are not allowed on the Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument at any time, officials said. This includes sparklers and so-called safe and sane fireworks.

Visitors, with a valid California Campfire Permit, may use portable stoves and lanterns with shut-off valves, using pressurized gas, liquid fuel, or propane in the general forest areas, officials said. Forest visitors must clear all flammable material five feet in all directions from their camp stove, have a shovel available, and ensure that a responsible person attends the stove at all times when in use.

Violation of these fire restrictions is punishable by a fine of no more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization or incarceration for not more than six months, or both, officials said.