Wednesday, 13 June 2007 00:11

Fire Restrictions Announced For El Dorado National Forest

slide2Special fire restrictions will be implemented in the Eldorado National Forest beginning June 18, this is about a month earlier than normal.   Eldorado National Forest Supervisor Ramiro Villalvazo signed a forest order that restricts campfires and charcoal barbeques to designated developed campgrounds and prohibits other fire related activities until the end of fire season. The fire restrictions affect the entire Eldorado National Forest including wilderness areas. “Below normal annual precipitation has left the Forest drier and more susceptible to wildfire than last year,” said Eldorado National Forest Management Officer Bob Patton. “The current drying trend is heading us in the direction we went in 2001 and 2004 when we had fires that exceeded 10,000 acres in size. We passed a threshold this month where 100 acre fires are possible. It’s way too early in the season for that to occur.”

slide3 The restrictions also prohibit: operating internal combustion engines off of forest development roads and trails, the use of fireworks (which are never allowed in a national forest); most smoking activities; welding; and using explosives.  The following acts are prohibited within the Eldorado National Forest beginning on June 18 until a long-term change in weather patterns occurs.

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except within the stoves and fire rings provided in the designated recreation sites shown on Exhibit A.  A complete list of these recreation sites can be obtained on the Eldorado National Forest web site at www.fs.fed.us/r5/eldorado/.

2. Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device.

3.Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, within the designated exempt sites, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

4.Operating an internal combustion engine off National Forest System roads and National Forest System trails, except for boats or dredges on a water surface.

5.Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with an open flame.

6.Using an explosive. Although there are some exceptions available with permit a valid Wilderness Permit or valid California Campfire Permit are NOT exempt from the prohibitions listed. Persons with a valid California campfire permit, or a valid Wilderness Permit, may use a portable stove, barbeque, or lantern that uses gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel. Forest Service fire prevention personnel will patrol the Forest daily looking for unsafe situations. The prohibitions carry penalties that can include fines and imprisonment. Violation of the 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 six months, or both.