Fire Restrictions are in Effect Forest Wide

Forest Order No. 03-26-05
USDA Forest Service
Eldorado National Forest
Fire Restrictions

to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited on National Forest System lands within the Eldorado National Forest. This Order is effective from July 17, 2026, through November 29, 2026.

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except within stoves, charcoal grills, or fire rings provided in the Developed Recreation Sites listed in Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
 

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a Developed Recreation Site 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(h).
 

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 216.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
 

1. Any Federal, State or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
 

2. Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above. However, persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may use a portable propane campfire pit, stove, or lantern that uses gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel, with a shut-off valve, in an area at least three feet from any flammable materials.
 

3. Persons with a valid Forest Service special use authorization for a recreation residence, a resort listed in Exhibit A, or an organizational camp listed in Exhibit A, are exempt from Prohibition No. 1 while at their permitted location.
 

4. Resorts operating under a special use permit and an approved fire plan from the Forest Service on the Eldorado National Forest are exempt from Prohibitions No. 3.
 

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions contained in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.
A 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 6 months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
 

Executed in Placerville, California, this 17th day of July 2026.

David Fournier
Forest Supervisor, Eldorado National Forest

This Forest Order supersedes Forest Order No. 03-26-02 dated June 29, 2026