Fire Risk Prompts New Rules

By The Porterville Recorder, Calif.

Jun. 29–Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have instituted new fire restrictions because of a high fire danger.

The new fire restrictions officially started Wednesday and will be enforced by park staff until further notice, according to a statement from Park spokesman Deb Schweizer.

The new restriction include:

No wood or barbecue fires will be permitted below 6,000 feet, except in designated campgrounds. This includes Ash Mountain Picnic Area, Hospital Rock Picnic Area and backcountry travel below 6,000 feet. Gas or propane stoves may be used at all elevations.

No smoking below 6,000 feet is permitted except within a developed area, a campground, an enclosed vehicle or a building which allows smoking.

Fire restrictions reduce the possibility of an accidental human-caused fire that could threaten visitors and employees during times of high fire danger.

If further restrictions are necessary in the future because changing conditions, the parks will make another public announcement. These National Park Service restrictions will remain in effect until further notice.

Like most of California, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks have experienced a dry winter and spring. Snow surveys from May show just 34 percent of the average precipitation levels for the Kings River Drainage, 24 percent of average precipitation for the Kaweah River Drainage and 5 percent of average precipitation for the Kern River Drainage.

By following these steps visitors to these parks can help ensure that their visit is safe, enjoyable and helps to protect these beautiful parks from unwanted fire. Visitors are reminded that smoking outside of vehicles in the construction zone is not permitted.

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Copyright (c) 2007, The Porterville Recorder, Calif.

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