Posted by: thepinetree on 09/14/2018 10:50 AM
Updated by: thepinetree on 09/14/2018 10:50 AM
Expires: 01/01/2023 12:00 AM
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Stanislaus National Forest Revises Closure Order for Donnell Fire as Roads and Trails Outside Fire Closure Reopen to the Public
Sonora, CA...Stanislaus National Forest Supervisor Jason Kuiken signed forest order STF-16-2018-14, revising the areas closed due to the Donnell Fire. Campgrounds and day use areas on Highway 108 east of Donnell Vista remain closed, but trails and roads south of Forest Road 5N01 are open to visitors. This closure is based on the current and expected fire behavior and safety concerns due to prior fire activity. It will be in effect until Dec. 31, 2018, or until replaced or rescinded.
Crews and firefighters with heavy equipment and driving emergency vehicles continue to work in active fire areas. For crew and public safety, Forest Order 16-2018-14 identifies an area of Summit Ranger District that remains closed to public access. The forest order and accompanying map can be found at https://go.usa.gov/xUvWQ.
Visitors can now stop at Donnell Vista, use off-highway vehicles and hike south of 5N01, Kuiken said. “We know how important recreating on the forest is for our visitors and I’m glad the current fire situation allows us to reopen these areas. Regarding areas still closed, we have installed signs and posted notices to alert the public about these temporary closures. We ask everyone to remain outside the closure area until it reopens.”
Hunting season begins Sept. 15 and the fire closure area means traditional hunting areas are affected, so visitors are urged to be vigilant. “It’s best to avoid wearing white, tan, brown or black clothing,” Kuiken said. “Be sure to wear blaze orange and make yourself visible. These opening weekends are generally the most active for hunters, so please maintain a high sense of situational awareness while you’re out enjoying the forest.”
The Donnell Fire ignited at 5:49 p.m. Aug. 1, 2018 near Donnell Lake on Highway 108 east of Pinecrest. It has so far burned more than 36,000 acres and is 90 percent contained.
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