Stage One fire restrictions in effect today at SNP

Visitors to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks this weekend and onward will need to exercise more caution where they light their campfires.

Park officials have announced that due to rapidly decreasing fuel moisture, increase in temperatures, and increased fuel loading due to late season rains in the Kaweah River drainage, Stage One fire restrictions are in effect starting today at noon.

Under Stage One restrictions the following apply:

Wood and charcoal fires (including woodburning stoves) are prohibited in South Fork campground. All fires and stoves are allowed in all other campgrounds.

Wood and charcoal fires (including woodburning stoves) are prohibited below 6,000 feet. Year-round elevation/ site-specific wilderness fire restrictions also apply.

Wood and charcoal fires (including woodburning stoves) are prohibited in Hospital Rock and Ash Mountain picnic areas. All fires and stoves are allowed in all other designated picnic areas.

Smoking is also prohibited below 6,000 feet, except within an enclosed vehicle, a building in which smoking is allowed, a campground or picnic area where wood and charcoal fires are allowed, or a designated smoking area.

Gas, propane, alcohol (with and without a shutoff valve) and tablet/cube stoves are still permitted in all areas.

With current moderate-high fire danger and entering into the hottest part of the year, fire danger is even more of a concern. Additionally, areas across the state are beginning to see the growth of large wildfires fueled by above-normal temperatures stretching firefighting resources.

“In order to protect life and property, we must be proactive in our approach to fire,” said Kelly Singer, Sequoia National Park fire management officer. “The purpose of fire restrictions is to reduce the risk of unwanted wildfire in high-risk areas this time of year.”

For information on the other fire restriction stage levels, please visit go.nps.gov/sekifirerestrictions