Fire managers may institute fire restrictions any time that fire danger and general conditions call for them. The goal of the restrictions is to reduce the possibility of accidental human-caused fire that could threaten visitors and employees during times of high fire danger. To avoid a surprise when you get to the parks, check the information below just before you travel, and check bulletin boards and visitor centers for updates when you arrive.
Stage 1, Stage 2, and Stage 3 fire restrictions are implemented due to fire danger and the risk of catastrophic wildfire.
Current Fire Restrictions: Stage 2
- Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) will be prohibited in South Fork, Potwisha, and Buckeye Flat campgrounds and at Hospital Rock and Foothills picnic areas.
- In wilderness areas, wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited below 6,000 feet. If you are backpacking, also review the general restrictions on fires and cooking methods in the Minimum Impact Restrictions for wilderness permits and check for further details when you pick up your wilderness permit.
- No smoking below 6,000 feet, except within an enclosed vehicle, a building in which smoking is allowed, a campground or picnic area where wood and charcoal fires are allowed, or a designated smoking area.
Fire Restriction Stages
| Stage |
Designated Campgrounds |
Designated Picnic Areas |
Wilderness |
Smoking |
| None |
No restrictions |
No restrictions |
Elevation / site-specific conditions apply. See Minimum Impact Restrictions |
No restrictions |
| Stage 1: High |
Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited in South Fork Campground.
All fires and stoves are allowed in all other campgrounds. |
Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited in Hospital Rock, Foothills, and Ash Mountain picnic areas.
All fires and stoves are allowed in all other designated picninc areas. |
Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited below 6,000 feet. Year-round elevation/site-specific wilderness fire restrictions also apply. Refer to the Minimum Impact Restrictions.
Gas, propane, alcohol (with and without a shutoff valve) and tablet/cube stoves are permitted. |
No smoking below 6,000 feet, except within an enclosed vehicle, a building in which smoking is allowed, a campground or picnic area where wood and charcoal fires are allowed, or a designated smoking area. |
| Stage 2: Very High |
Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited in South Fork, Potwisha, and Buckeye Flat Campgrounds.
Gas propane, alcohol (with and without a shutoff valve) and tablet/cube stoves are permitted. |
Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited in Hospital Rock, Foothills, and Ash Mountain picnic areas.
Gas, propane, alcohol (with and without a shutoff valve) and tablet/cube stoves are permitted. |
Stage 2 fire restrictions are the same as for Stage 1. |
Stage 2 fire restrictions are the same as for Stage 1. |
| Stage 3: Extreme |
Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited at all campgrounds.
Gas, propane, alcohol (with and without a shutoff valve) and tablet/cube stoves are permitted. |
Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited in all picnic areas.
Gas, propane, alcohol (with and without a shutoff valve) and tablet/cube stoves are permitted. |
Wood and charcoal fires (including wood-burning stoves) are prohibited at all elevations.
Gas, propane, alcohol (with and without a shutoff valve) and tablet/cube stoves are permitted. |
No smoking at any elevation except within an enclosed vehicle, a building in which smoking is allowed, or a designated smoking area. |
For Wilderness Users
Additional fire restrictions for backpackers are in place for wilderness travel to reduce impacts on fragile alpine ecosystems. See year round elevation/site-specific wilderness campfire restrictions. Refer to the Minimum Impact Restrictions.
Sequoia National Forest and Giant Sequoia National Monument
National Forest areas surround much of these national parks, and many park visitors also visit and camp in the national forest. If you plan to camp on national forest lands surrounding these parks, check Sequoia National Forest fire restrictions.
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