PLACERVILLE, Calif. - Fire restrictions go into effect Monday, June 28, 2021 on the Eldorado National Forest under Forest Order 03-21-11. Wood and charcoal fires will be restricted to metal fire rings and grills in designated developed recreation sites listed in the order on Exhibit A. All other campfires are prohibited until the end of fire season. 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.
Other regulations prohibit the possession or use of any type of explosive, fireworks, or pyrotechnic device, and require the use of spark arresters on all national forests in California under Regional Order 20-04. Forest and Regional orders can be found on the forest website here.
"It’s going to be another tough fire season," said Forest Supervisor Jeff Marsolais. "We need every visitor to help prevent wildfires by being fire safe and reporting abandoned or illegal fires to 911 or to the nearest Ranger Station."
To protect public safety and forest resources, fire restrictions on the Eldorado National Forest prohibit the following acts:
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, as shown on Exhibit A. 36CFR 261.52(a).
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a Developed Recreation Site as shown on Exhibit A, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 36 CFR 261.52(d).
3. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame. 36 CFR 261.52(i).
4. 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 CFR 261.52(j).
For more information about fire restrictions and recreation opportunities on the Eldorado National Forest, contact our Visitor Information team at:
· Forest Supervisor's Office, (530) 303-2412
· Placerville / Pacific Ranger Districts (916)-500-4712
· Georgetown Ranger District, (530) 334-6477
· Amador Ranger District, (209) 259-3774