Stage 1 Fire Restrictions in effect starting June 16, 2025

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to protect natural resources and provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Inyo National Forest. This Order is effective from June 16th, 2025 through December 31, 2025.

1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal briquettes except in the Developed Recreation Sites listed in Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).

2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, within the Developed Recreation Sites listed in Exhibit A, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).

3. Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(h).

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with a Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.

2. Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions contained in this Order. Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit, however, may use a portable stove or lantern that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized gas (LPG) fluids, and is outfitted with a fuel shut off valve.

3. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

4. Persons with a Special Use Permit from the Forest Service for a recreation residence in one of the residence tracts listed in Exhibit B are exempt from Prohibition No. 1 while they are at their recreation residence, provided that the activity is done in compliance with the terms of the permit.

5. Persons with a Special Use Permit from the Forest Service for an organization camp, pack station, range permittee, or resort listed in Exhibit B are exempt from Prohibition No.1 while at their organization camp or resort, provided that the activity is done in compliance with the terms of the permit.
 

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions contained in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A.
 

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 six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.