Sonora, CA — The Forest Service says due to shorter days, cooler weather, and higher humidity they have lifted fire restrictions put into effect since August 8 for moderate hazard areas of the Stanislaus National Forest (NF). That means visitors can start using wood, charcoal, or gas fires or stoves outside of developed campgrounds if they have a valid California Campfire Permit. Forest fire officials warn that fuel conditions in most of the forest are still very dry, and fire restrictions in the High Hazard areas remains in effect.
You can get a campfire permit at the Forest Service and CAL Fire offices.
Below are the Campfire Permit requirements:
1. Clear all flammable material away from the campfire, barbeque, or gas stove for a minimum of five feet in all directions, down to bare mineral soil, to prevent escape of the fire.
2. Have a shovel available at the campfire site for preparing and extinguishing campfires.
3. Have a responsible person in attendance at all times (never leave a fire unattended).
4. Extinguish the campfire with plenty of water, using the “drown, stir, and feel” method.
5. During dry, windy weather conditions, avoid building and maintaining campfires.
Fire prevention officials also stress campers need to dig at least five feet around their campfire, drown their campfire with water, and have a shovel handy at all times. They also remind campers to never place a campfire under over hanging tree branches, brush, or other flammable vegetation. Smokers can only smoke in a cleared area of brush nearly 3 feet wide and never put out their cigarette on or near dry vegetation, an old stump, or decayed log.