Placerville, CA – The King Fire area closure was effect in the Eldorado National Forest beginning September 17. Beginning September 23, this Forest Order replaces Forest Order 03-14-109, removing the statement, “Owners of lessees of land in the area are exempt of this prohibition to the extent necessary to gain access to their land,” from the previous order.
Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Georgetown, Placerville and Pacific Ranger Districts of the Eldorado National Forest. This Order is effective from September 23, 2014 until the King Fire is declared out or by termination of the Order.
1. Going into or being upon any National Forest System land within the King Fire Closure. The King Fire Closure boundary begins at the intersection of Federal Highway 50 and Wrights Lake Road, then continues north along Wrights Lake Road to its intersection with the Pacific Ranger District boundary, then continues east along the Pacific Ranger District boundary to the Eldorado National Forest boundary, then continues northwest, west and south along the Eldorado National Forest boundary to its intersection with Meadowbrook Road, then continues southwest along Meadowbrook Road to its intersection with California State Highway 193, then continues south along California State Highway 193 to its intersection with Rock Creek Road, then continues east along Rock Creek Road to its intersection with Mosquito Road, then continues south along Mosquito Road to its intersection with Union Ridge Road, then continues southeast along Union Ridge Road to its intersection with Carson Road, then continues east 2.2 miles along Carson Road to its intersection with Federal Highway 50, then continues east along Federal Highway 50 back to the starting point. 36 CFR 261.53(e).
2. Being on any National Forest System road within the King Fire Closure Area, as shown on the attached map. 36 CFR 261.54(e).
3. Being on any National Forest System trail within the King Fire Closure Area, as shown on the attached map. 36 CFR 261.55(a).
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Persons with a permit from the Forest Service specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or omission.
2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR 261, Subpart A.
A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. 16 USC 551 and 18 USC 3559, 3571 and 3581.
The following popular recreation sites are within the closure area:
The west side of Desolation Wilderness on the Eldorado National Forest, the Crystal Basin area, including areas accessed by Icehouse Road, the Wrights Lake area, the Hell Hole area, Stumpy Meadows and Dru Barner campground.
Recreation sites on the Amador Ranger District are not affected by the closure. Visitors are asked to remember that fire restrictions are still in effect. Open fires or stoves are prohibited unless in developed campgrounds. Forest Service staff will be patrolling to ensure compliance.
The closure order and map are posted on the Eldorado National Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/eldorado.
Additional Information about the King Fire can be found at:
https://www.facebook.com/KINGFIREPIO
http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4108
