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Mt. Whitney Ranger District Fire Danger & Restrictions
Safety brief
Updated
Moderate fire danger today.
Fire danger is moderate for the Mt. Whitney Ranger District. Campfires are prohibited above 10,400 feet in the Ansel Adams Wilderness south of Mt. Emerson/Humphreys ridgeline and in specific areas of the Golden Trout and Hoover Wilderness. Developed campgrounds may allow campfires, but confirm current rules for your specific location. Portable stoves with pressurized fuel are allowed with a valid permit, but ensure they have a shut-off valve. Welding and grinding with open flames are prohibited forest-wide.
Restrictions
Campfires and Stoves
Equipment and Work
Shooting and Closures
Backcountry campfiresRestricted
Campfires prohibited above 10,400 ft in Ansel Adams Wilderness south of Mt. Emerson/Humphreys ridgeline; prohibited in Golden Trout and Hoover Wilderness specific areas. Portable stoves with pressurized fuel allowed with valid permits.
Conditions
- Prohibited above 10,400 feet in elevation south of Mt. Emerson and Mt. Humphreys ridgeline in Ansel Adams Wilderness
- Prohibited within 2/10 mile of Chicken Spring Lake in Golden Trout Wilderness
- Prohibited within 2/10 mile of Rocky Basin Lakes in Golden Trout Wilderness
- Prohibited within Twenty Lakes Basin in Hoover Wilderness
Exceptions
- Persons with FS Permit No. FS-7700-48 specifically exempting them
- Federal, State, or local officers and organized rescue/firefighting forces in official duty
- Persons with valid Wilderness Permit or California Campfire Permit may use portable lanterns or stoves with gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel
Campground campfiresAllowed
Campfires allowed in developed recreation sites listed in Stage 1 order exhibits.
Conditions
- Only in Developed Recreation Sites listed in Exhibit A of Stage 1 order
Propane fuel and camp stovesRestricted
Portable stoves with pressurized liquid fuel or LPG allowed with valid California Campfire Permit or Wilderness Permit; must have fuel shut-off valve.
Conditions
- Must be solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized gas (LPG)
- Must be outfitted with a fuel shut-off valve
- Requires valid California Campfire Permit or Wilderness Permit
Welding and grindingProhibited
Welding and acetylene torches with open flame prohibited forest-wide under Stage 1 restrictions.
Exceptions
- Ski Areas with Special Use Permit listed in Exhibit B are exempt within Ski Area Boundary if in compliance with permit terms
Restrictions last checked
Ratings and restrictions are collected from official source pages and may lag agency updates. Always confirm current fire restrictions, closures, evacuation notices, and emergency guidance with the responsible agency before starting a trip.
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