PLACERVILLE, Calif. November 6, 2018 – Fire restrictions on the Eldorado National Forest are still in effect due to high fire danger. Critical fire weather conditions from extremely low humidity and gusty winds are forecasted for this week continuing to dry forest vegetation further which increases fire danger. Current fire restrictions include a ban on recreational target shooting which is being extended for the second time for another 30 days or until conditions change.”With the forest so dry we are noticing that any fire start is spreading rapidly,” said Forest Supervisor Laurence Crabtree. “Visitors can help protect their forest by educating others about fire danger and reporting illegal or abandoned fires to 911 or to the nearest Ranger Station.”On the Eldorado National Forest, fire restrictions include:
- No wood or charcoal fires are allowed outside of exempted recreation sites (see Forest Order) even with a valid campfire permit.
- No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle, building or exempted recreation site.
- Operating a welding or other torch with an open flame is prohibited.
- Operating an internal combustion engine without a properly operating spark arrestor is prohibited.
- Lanterns and portable stoves using gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed with a valid 2018 California Campfire Permit available at www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit or from Forest Service offices during normal business hours. **Note: Gas fire pits are not portable stoves or lanterns and are not allowed**
- Those with a valid 2018 woodcutting permit may cut firewood in compliance with the terms of their permit.
- No recreational target shooting.
Complete details regarding and the target shooting restrictions (which will be extended for an additional 30 days) and the 2018 fire restrictions, including the list of exempt designated recreation sites, is available on the Eldorado National Forest website at: www.fs.usda.gov/eldorado.
Motor vehicles are allowed only on designated National Forest System roads, routes, trails and areas as identified on the Eldorado National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map (MVUM) at www.fs.usda.gov/goto/enf/maps. The Eldorado National Forest Motor Vehicle Use Map is available for free at any Eldorado National Forest office.
Questions about fire restrictions, designated recreation sites, motor vehicle use and firewood cutting on the Eldorado National Forest may be directed to local Eldorado National Forest offices including: Supervisor’s Office, (530) 622-5061; Placerville Ranger District, (530) 644-2324; Georgetown Ranger District, (530) 333-4312; and the Amador Ranger District, (209) 295-4251.
Note: All visitor services at Pacific Ranger District have been moved to the Placerville Ranger District.