News Release

For Release:  June 26, 2007      
Contact: Debra Hein at (760) 872-5057 
CA CC-07-54

Fire Restrictions Go Into Effect for Eastern Sierra

Inyo National Forest Supervisor Jeff Bailey and Bureau of Land Management Bishop Field Office Manager Bill Dunkelberger have signed fire restriction orders that go into effect Friday, June 29, at 12:01 a.m.  The restrictions cover all Inyo National Forest lands and all BLM lands managed by the Bishop Field Office.  Areas above 9,000 feet in elevation and wilderness areas (except where campfires are prohibited by existing orders) are exempt from this order.  Campfires, briquette barbeques and smoking will be restricted due to increased fire danger brought on by hot, dry weather and extremely dry conditions.

The following restrictions will be in effect until further notice:

• NO CAMPFIRES or briquette barbeques allowed outside of developed recreation sites and specifically posted campsites or areas, and resorts, pack stations, recreation residences and other sites operated under special use permits with the Forest Service or BLM.  Portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel are exempt from this restriction (with valid campfire permit).

• NO 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.

• NO WELDING or operating an acetylene torch with open flames, except by permit.

• NO USE OF EXPLOSIVES, except by permit.

The restrictions will suspend open campfires except in designated campgrounds throughout the Forest and BLM lands.  A list of designated campgrounds is available at any Inyo National Forest Ranger Station or Interagency Visitor Center.  If hot, dry weather conditions continue, the restriction on campfires could be extended to include all of the wilderness areas.

For further information, please call Inyo National Forest Public Affairs Officer Nancy Upham at (760) 873-2427 or Interagency Fire Mitigation Specialist Debra Hein at (760) 872-5057.

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