News Release Archive

Reclamation Temporarily Bans Campfires at New Melones Lake and Lake Berryessa Recreation Areas

Media Contact: Shane Hunt, 916-978-5100, shunt@usbr.gov

For Release: September 21, 2015

FOLSOM, Calif. – Effective immediately, due to the current drought and high fire danger, the Bureau of Reclamation is banning campfires in all campgrounds and day use areas at Lake Berryessa and New Melones Lake. Cooking fires contained in designated site-provided barbecue grills are exempt from this ban.

Cooking fires must be contained in the stationary barbeques provided within the recreation areas. Use of any portable barbeques, cook stoves or other cooking devices is prohibited; however, propane barbecues are permitted. All burning material must be confined within the barbecue.

The Code of Federal Regulations, Title 43, Part 423.31, requires compliance with federal, state and local fire orders, restrictions or permit requirements.

This ban will remain in effect until there is a significant change in weather conditions or until Reclamation determines that area conditions may permit fires to be safely managed.

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.