Sierra National Forest Fire Restrictions

Forest Order No. 05-15-00-26-10

USDA Forest Service
Sierra National Forest
Fire Restrictions

Pursuant 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 within the Sierra National Forest.  This Order is effective from August 7, 2026, through November 14, 2026.

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except within the Designated Recreation Sites listed in Exhibit A, within the Designated Wilderness Areas identified on Exhibit B, or within the Bald Mountain Base Camp as listed on Exhibit A and shown on Exhibit C.  36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
    
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, within the Designated Recreation Sites listed in Exhibit A, or within the Designated Wilderness Areas identified on Exhibit B, or within the Bald Mountain Base Camp as listed on Exhibit A and shown on Exhibit C.  36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).
    
3. Operating an internal combustion engine, except on a National Forest System Road or trail.      36 C.F.R. § 261.52(g).
    
4. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
   36 C.F.R. § 261.52(h).

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(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 Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order. 
    
3. 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 lantern or stove using contained gas, or pressurized liquid fuel with a fuel shut off valve.
    
4. Persons with a Special Use Permit from the Forest Service for a recreation residence on the Sierra National Forest may use a campfire or stove fire at their recreation residence.
    
5. Persons with a Forest Service non-special use written authorization to conduct non-recreational activities, such as harvesting timber or forest products, or grazing livestock, are exempt from Prohibition Nos. 3 and 4, provided the activity is done in compliance with the terms of the authorization

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

Executed in Clovis, California on August 6, 2026.

DEAN A GOULD
Forest Supervisor
Sierra National Forest

Exhibit A – Designated Recreation Sites