Extreme Fire Danger on Thursday, August 28, 2008 for Point Reyes National Seashore

Date: August 27, 2008
Contact: Jennifer Chapman, 415-464-5133

Point Reyes National Seashore Superintendent Don Neubacher stated that based on this afternoon’s weather, fire danger at the Seashore will be rated as “Extreme” tomorrow, on Thursday, August 28, prompting several precautionary measures at the park. Superintendent Neubacher explained, “When fire danger is extreme, we take extra steps to prevent a wildfire and ask the public to be extra aware of their actions as well."

Thursday’s extreme fire danger rating is based on a combination of factors including relative humidity, wind, and “fuel moisture” which is the water content in the vegetation. Several steps of action will occur within the Seashore boundaries: 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 electrical equipment such as chain saws, lawn mowers, weed eaters, welders or other potential ignition sources outside of developed areas in the park.

Concurrently, the National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning in effect tomorrow for the North Bay Hills weather zone which includes areas above 1,000 feet elevation in central Marin County including most of Mount Tamalpais State Park and part of Muir Woods National Monument. The Red Flag Warning does not apply to the Coastal North Bay weather zone in which the Seashore is included.

For more information, please visit the fire pages on the park website at www.nps.gov/pore/fire.

-NPS-