Press release

The Inyo National Forest is expanding fire restrictions to include wilderness areas of the Inyo National Forest. Previously, certain wilderness areas had been exempted.

Beginning on Friday July 29, the following restrictions will be in effect:

• No campfires, briquette barbeques, or stove fires are allowed outside of designated developed recreation sites and specifically posted campsites or areas. A list of designated campgrounds and recreation sites is available at visitor centers, and on the website, http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd507554.pdf (Inyo National Forest
• Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit (available free of charge at visitor center or online athttp://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/) are not exempt from the prohibitions but are allowed to use portable stoves or lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel.
• No fireworks. It is prohibited to possess or discharge any fireworks.
• 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.

Resorts, pack stations, recreation residences and other sites operated under special use permit from the U.S. Forest Service may be exempt from the special orders, as long as any fire activity is conducted in compliance with their permit.

Residents and visitors are reminded that fireworks, even “safe and sane” are not allowed at any time on public lands.