2015 Sequoia and Kings Canyon NP Elevated Fire Restrictions

[joshuacourter]

Source: http://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/news/stag ... 0-2015.htm

SEQUOIA AND KINGS CANYON NATIONAL PARKS, Calif. May 4, 2015–The past four years have seen an unprecedented drought not only in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks but the entire Sierra Nevada Range.

Weather stations across the area are showing well below normal seasonal rainfall for this time of year. Furthermore, the winter snowfall was practically non-existent, leading to the smallest high elevation snowpacks on record.

With the early season Potwisha Fire this past April, it is apparent that conditions in the park are exceptionally dry. Fire danger is currently at levels that are normally seen in June.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Superintendent Woody Smeck said, "In order to protect our visiting public, staff, and the parks resources and assets, we must be proactive in our approach to this year's fire season."

Therefore, directed by the Superintendent of the parks, pursuant to the procedures in Appendix M of the parks' Fire and Fuels and Fire Management Plan, Stage 2 Fire Restrictions will be effective at 8:00 a.m. on May 20, 2015

You would likely be told this when getting a wilderness permit or staying overnight in the parks, but wanted to share a heads up so you can plan accordingly this season.

[DaveB]

No surprise given the drought. That's a pretty cryptic press release with no description or definition of what "Stage 2 Fire Restrictions" means. Will have to look up their fire management plan or contact them to get more info.

[DaveB]

Just dug up the details in SEKI Fire Management Plan. Stage 2 means that in the park's wilderness area:

"Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited below 6,000 feet. Year-round elevation/site-specific wilderness
fire restrictions also apply. Refer to the Minimum Impact Restrictions. Gas, propane, alcohol (with and without a shutoff valve), and tablet/cube
stoves are permitted."

[joshuacourter]

Thanks for further clarification DaveB


Owner of http://goldentroutwilderness.org, http://domelandwilderness.wordpress.com and http://jennielakeswilderness.wordpress.com

[RoguePhotonic]

Yeah the interesting thing about this whole stage 2 approach is it changed the system so that fires are now allowed in the backcountry when they were not before. In 2013 you were not allowed to have a fire at all and I was surprised in 2014 when I was told that I could have fires under the normal altitude restrictions in the parks because they changed the system.

Sooo yes there are fire restrictions in place because it's so dry buuuut yes you can have a fire like always.

[limpingcrab]

Thanks for the update!

It's good to look up the restrictions yourself because the rangers at permit stations seem to be about 60% accurate when going over restrictions with backpackers. That goes for more than just fire...