Eldorado Forest sees record number of illegal campfires with increased visitation

Forest officials everywhere are saying: Recreate Responsibly.

Despite large campaigns about fire restrictions and "pack it in pack it out," many visitors to the Eldorado National Forest are not acting responsibly.

Fire and law enforcement officers had another busy weekend contacting a record numbers of visitors about campfires they had made that are not allowed under the current fire restrictions in the Eldorado National Forest.

“We are really excited to have so many new people visiting the forest for the first time,” said Forest Supervisor Jeff Marsolais. “Now more than ever, being outdoors is playing an important role in our lives. Our national forests are open and we want to welcome everyone to come out and enjoy them. But right now, traditional campfires are too much of a risk, given the weather conditions in California.”

What are the fire restrictions?

• Making a campfire, stove fire or barbeque with wood or charcoal is only allowed at developed recreation sites that are listed in the forest order. Typically, these designated sites are established campgrounds with numbered campsites, a metal fire ring, and a campground host.

• If you possess a California Campfire Permit (available online) you may use a gas-powered portable campfire pit, stove or lantern with an on/off switch, in an area cleared at least 3 feet by 3 feet.

• Making a campfire outside of a designated developed area, such as in a rock ring at a primitive dispersed campsite, is prohibited. The fine for making an illegal campfire is up to $5,000 for an individual, or $10,000 for an organization.

Did they see the signs?

Electronic message boards on forest roads, and on Highways 50, 88 and 89; bright yellow and red fire restrictions signs; and information boards throughout the forest alert visitors that campfires are not allowed. Either there is confusion because there are so many first time visitors or people are ignoring the signs. Please do your part. Recreate responsibly.

Fire Prevention Team

The Eldorado National Forest has brought in a fire prevention team to address the increased risk of human-caused wildfires associated with the surge of forest visitors that is occurring during this dryer than normal fire season.

“We estimate that we are having more than double our usual visitation for this time of year. This is causing concerns about public safety, particularly if evacuation of popular recreation sites becomes necessary,” said Forest Fire Management Officer Jay Kurth.

“Illegal campfires across the forest are increasing the risk of wildfire. These campfires can escape and become a danger to other visitors and campers. In addition, the large number of vehicles parked along roadways is blocking emergency access for fire and law enforcement responders.”

The fire prevention team will assist the forest with public education and will be launching a regional outdoor safety campaign next week. “Our messages will remind visitors to take personal responsibility for preventing human-caused wildfires; for being prepared to evacuate in the event of a wildfire; and for keeping the forest healthy,” said Kurth.

The Eldorado National Forest 2020 Prevention Campaign will incorporate elements from already established campaigns such as “Be Outdoor Safe,” “One Less Spark, One Less Wildfire,” “Ready, Set, Go!” and “Recreate Responsibly”.

During this fire season, please be outdoor safe by:
• Preparing camp sites for rapid and safe evacuation in the event of a wildfire
• Properly maintaining vehicles and trailers to avoid sparking fires
• Using legal gas stoves and gas fire pits instead of making illegal campfires
• Choosing not to shoot firearms on hot, dry and windy days
• Treading lightly in the forest, leave no trace
• Properly disposing of trash and human waste

“We cannot control when and where lightning strikes, but we can control our actions,” said Fire Prevention Team Leader Francisco Salazar. “Given the low precipitation this past winter in the central Sierra, the vegetation will ignite quickly. We’re here to recommend strategies for heightening awareness and ultimately protecting the public and the forest resources from human caused wildfire and other recreation impacts.”

For more information about recreation and current conditions in the Eldorado National Forest, visit the forest website. Other sites that provide helpful tips are:
• Be Outdoor Safe - https://www.beoutdoorsafe.org/
• Ready for Wildfire - https://readyforwildfire.org
• Recreate Responsibly - https://recreateresponsibly.org