High Sierra Topix

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks will enter stage 1 fire restrictions, which prohibit wood and charcoal fires including wood burning stoves, at 6 a.m. on June 11. The fire restrictions target campground and picnic areas at elevations of 3,000 feet and below, including Potwisha Campground, and the Hospital Rock and Foothills Picnic Areas.

These restrictions also prohibit wood and charcoal fires in wilderness areas below elevations of 6,000 feet. Year-round elevation and/or site-specific wilderness fire restrictions also apply. Visitors are encouraged to check their wilderness permit or speak with a trailhead ranger for details pertaining to their itinerary. In addition, stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit smoking below elevations of 6,000 feet, except within an enclosed vehicle, within a private residence where smoking is permitted, or in a designated smoking area.

Fire restrictions do not apply to gas, propane, alcohol, and tablet/cube stoves. Use of these stoves remains permitted in areas affected by fire restrictions. Fire crews may continue to conduct prescribed burns within the parks to reduce vegetation and protect areas with structures from wildfires.

The National Park Service urges visitors to be extremely careful with fire in all areas of the parks. Additional fire safety tips for visitors include checking that vehicles are in good working order, utilizing only official, pre-built fire rings for campfires in front-country areas, and ensuring that campfires are fully extinguished at night before going to sleep or leaving the area. Fireworks of any type are prohibited year-round in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Stage 1 fire restrictions will remain in effect until conditions significantly change. Learn more about fire restrictions in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks at https://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/nature/f ... ctions.htm.