Placerville, CA…With record breaking drought conditions causing extremely low fuel moistures, the Eldorado National Forest is increasing its fire restrictions to a forestwide campfire ban, beginning Monday, July 26, 2021. No wood or charcoal fires will be allowed anywhere in the forest under these new restrictions. The restrictions apply to all campgrounds, developed sites, and special use permits.

“These restrictions are an immediate way to reduce the potential for wildfire given the conditions of the fuels on the forest,” said Forest Supervisor Jeff Marsolais. “I don’t take lightly the impact this will have on some of the visitors to the Eldorado National Forest, but safety must come first.”

These increased fire restrictions are authorized under Forest Order 03-21-12. Under this order, the following acts are prohibited within the Eldorado National Forest beginning Monday, July 26, 2021:

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire.

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

3. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.

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.

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.

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.
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