High Sierra Topix

Due to continued high temperatures and extremely dry conditions, the parks will be increasing the level of fire restrictions to Stage 2, effective Wednesday, August 15. This is an increase from Stage 1 fire restrictions, which have been in place since June 29, 2018.

“The 2018 fire season is already taking a dramatic toll in California,” says John Ziegler, Acting Fire Management Officer for the parks. “At a national level, basically all firefighting resources are already engaged in fighting fires. By enacting more stringent fire restrictions, we reduce the risk of accidental ignitions that would add to the already heavy burden on firefighters.”

Directed by the Superintendent of the parks, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will be effective at 12:00 p.m. on August 15, 2018.

- Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited in South Fork, Potwisha, and Buckeye Flat Campgrounds. Campfires are permitted in all other campgrounds.

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

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

- Smoking is 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 permitted in all developed front-country campgrounds, established picnic areas, and wilderness areas.

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