Temporary Moderate Hazard Fire Restrictions Stanislaus National Forest

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 Moderate Fire Hazard Area of the Stanislaus National Forest, as shown on Exhibit A and described in Exhibit B. This Order is effective from July 17th, 2026, through December 31, 2026. 

1.    Discharging a firearm. 36 CFR § 261.58(m)
2.    Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, except in the Developed Recreation Sites listed in Exhibit C. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
3.    Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, within an open Developed Recreation Site listed in Exhibit C, 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).
4.    Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame. 36 C.F.R.§ 261.52(i).
5.     Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device that is properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order in accordance with U.S. Forest Service Standard 5100-1. 36 C.F.R §

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order: 

1.   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.
2.   Persons possessing a valid California hunting license are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above. However, persons with a valid hunting license and hunting during the open hunting season as specified by the laws of the State of California may discharge a firearm at a legal game bird or mammal.
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 stove or lantern using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel on National Forest System lands within the Moderate Hazard Area.
4.   Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A. 

A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for an individual or $10,000.00 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.