Fire restrictions lifted in nearby national parks

Due to the recent change in weather, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks are lifting fire restrictions that have been in effect since July 11.

Campfires are again permitted in backcountry areas below 6,000 feet in elevation. Barbecue and wood fires are allowed in the Hospital Rock and Ash Mountain picnic area, and smoking below 6,000 feet in elevation is permitted.

Even with restrictions lifted, visitors must still follow the parks’ year-round regulations concerning fire.

In the backcountry:
-- Keep campfires small, in a safe area and away from overhanging limbs.
-- Use existing campfire rings — do not build new rings in the wilderness.
-- Extinguish fires at lease 30 minutes before leaving camp, add water and stir the ashes.
-- If you are backpacking you are responsible for knowing the fire regulations where you travel. Check with the wilderness office about your destination by calling 565-3766. Fires are prohibited in some areas of the backcountry due to fragile soil and scarcity of wood.

Additionally, all visitors must:
-- Use the designated campfire ring in all campgrounds.
-- Gather only dead and down wood. Do not cut limbs from trees.
-- Extinguish cigarettes and properly dispose of the filter.

For more information about fire guidelines, visit www.nps.gov/seki and click on “Fire in the Parks” under quick links.