Inyo National Forest will be in Stage I Fire Restrictions starting this Friday, August 4 to protect natural resources and provide for public safety.

The following acts are prohibited within Inyo National Forest:

  1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire except in Forest Service-provided campfire ring or in a standing grill within a Developed Recreation Site listed in Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
  2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, within the Developed Recreation Sites listed in Exhibit A, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).
  3. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(i).

Persons with a California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions above, however they may use a portable campfire ring/pit, stove, or lantern outside of a Developed Recreation Site, at least five feet from any flammable materials, provided that the portable campfire ring/pit, stove, or lantern only burns gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel, and has a shut-off valve.

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 six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.

For the official forest order and the complete list of developed recreation sites, visit the Inyo National Forest website’s Alerts and Notices page:
www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/inyo/alerts-notices

Main photo: Sign posting on fire restrictions in a rural area. Photo Johnny Habell

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Inyo National Forest Forest Restrictions