Due to drier conditions increasing, seasonal fire restrictions went into effect today, JULY 28, on the Eldorado National Forest, according to an announcement from USFS officials.
Under these restrictions, wood and charcoal fires are only allowed in metal fire rings and grills at designated developed recreation sites listed in Forest Order 03-23-11, which can be viewed online at bit.ly/Firerestrictions.
“We appreciate the cooperation of residents and visitors who help prevent human-caused wildfires by following these fire restrictions,” states Forest Fire Management Officer Nickie Johnny in the news release. “We have already encountered some abandoned campfires this year, so if you see an abandoned or illegal fire, call 911.”
To protect public safety, the following acts are prohibited in the Eldorado National Forest:
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except within stoves, charcoal grills or fire rings provided in developed recreation sites listed in the forest order.
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site listed in the forest order or while stopped in an area at least 3 feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
3. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
4. 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 CFR 261.52(j).
Having a valid California campfire permit does not exempt a person from the prohibitions listed above.
However, persons with a valid California campfire permit may use a portable propane campfire pit, stove or lantern that uses gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel, with a shut-off valve, in an area at least 3 feet from flammable materials.
Persons with a valid Forest Service special use authorization for a recreation residence or a resort or organizational camp listed as an exempted facility in this order are exempt from prohibition No. 1, while at their permitted location.