Dry forest conditions have led to fire restrictions at Sequoia and Kings Canyon national parks/NPS file

Summer hasn't even arrived, yet fire restrictions have been put into place at Kings Canyon and Sequoia national parks in California.

The two parks entered stage 1 fire restrictions at 6 a.m. Friday morning. Stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit wood and charcoal fires, including wood burning stoves, at elevations of 3,000 feet and below. Campground and picnic areas that are affected include Potwisha Campground, and the Hospital Rock and Foothills picnic areas.

Stage 1 fire restrictions also prohibit wood and charcoal fires in wilderness areas below elevations of 6,000 feet. Note that year-round elevation and/or site-specific wilderness fire restrictions also apply; see your wilderness permit or a trailhead ranger for details pertaining to your itinerary. In addition, stage 1 fire restrictions prohibit smoking below elevations of 6,000 feet, except within an enclosed vehicle, within a private residence where smoking is permitted, or in a designated smoking area.

Some areas that would typically be affected by stage 1 fire restrictions remain closed due to severe damage from storms in early 2023, including South Fork and Buckeye Flat Campgrounds in Sequoia National Park.

“Even after a very wet winter, the lower elevations of the Sierra Nevada dry out quickly, and accidental fire starts in this ecosystem pose a serious risk of spreading fast,” said Fire Management Officer Leif Mathiesen. “Fire restrictions are meant to stop unwanted, dangerous ignitions before they occur. Firefighters thank you for respecting these important precautions put in place to protect you and your public lands.”

Fire restrictions do not apply to gas, propane, alcohol, and tablet/cube stoves. Use of these stoves remains permitted in areas affected by fire restrictions. Fire crews may continue to conduct prescribed burns within the park to reduce vegetation and protect areas with structures from wildfires.

The National Park Service urges everyone to be extremely careful with fire, in all areas of the parks. Additional fire safety tips include checking that your vehicle is in good working order before your visit, utilizing only official, pre-built fire rings for campfires in front-country areas, and ensuring that your campfire is fully out cold before going to sleep or leaving the area. Fireworks of any type are prohibited year-round in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Stage 1 fire restrictions will remain in effect until conditions significantly change. Learn more about fire restrictions in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks at https://www.nps.gov/seki/learn/nature/fire-restrictions.htm.