Extreme Fire Danger Continues at National Parks in Marin for September 3, 2008

Date: September 3, 2008
Contact: Jennifer Chapman, 415-464-5133

Fire danger at Point Reyes National Seashore and Golden Gate National Recreation Area (GGNRA) lands in Marin County is rated as "Extreme" again today, Wednesday, September 3.

Fire Danger may be rated as low, moderate, high, very high, or extreme based on the worst case fire weather scenario during the hottest, driest part of the day on an open, south facing slope. Fire danger ratings are used to determine whether land use restrictions will go into effect as well as how many firefighters should be available in case a wildfire does occur. The fire danger rating may vary throughout the San Francisco Bay Area.

Restrictions that will be in effect today within Point Reyes National Seashore boundaries are:

1) all wood or charcoal fires will be banned, although self-contained gas stoves will be permitted at designated campgrounds and picnic areas;

2) all previously issued fire permits will become null and void;

3) Mt. Vision Road will be closed to all vehicle traffic;

4) smoking will be prohibited on all park trails and backcountry areas; and

5) park employees will not use equipment such as chain saws, lawn mowers, weed eaters, welders or other potential ignition sources outside of developed areas in the park.

Restrictions that will be in effect today on all GGNRA lands in Marin County, including the Marin Headlands and Muir Woods National Monument are:

1) All fires, including cooking fires and charcoal grills, are prohibited except for self-contained, portable gas stoves, which are allowed only in designated campground and picnic areas; and

2) smoking on all park trails is prohibited.

-NPS-