Mono County Enters Seasonal Fire Restrictions; Residents Urged to Register for 'READY Mono' Emergency Alerts

Bridgeport, Calif. (June 26, 2026) - With summer weather driving up temperatures and drying out vegetation across the Eastern Sierra, Stage 1 Seasonal Fire Restrictions were announced this week by the Bureau of Land Management, the Inyo National Forest and the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest. In line with these orders, the Mono County Sheriff has also issued fire restrictions for all public and private lands in Mono County. These restrictions are now in effect across all federal and public lands under these jurisdictions to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires, protect vital natural resources, and ensure public and firefighter safety.

"As we enter peak fire season, the dry conditions and high fire danger in our region require everyone to be extra vigilant," said Marcella Rose, Mono County Outdoor Recreation Superintendent. "Preventing wildfires is a shared community responsibility. We are asking residents and visitors to strictly adhere to these seasonal restrictions and to take immediate steps to prepare for emergencies."

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions: What You Need to Know

Effective immediately and until further notice, the following activities are strictly PROHIBITED on Mono County public lands:

• No Dispersed Campfires: Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or briquette/charcoal barbecue is prohibited except within agency-provided fire rings or grills at designated, developed recreation sites (excluding County-developed recreation sites, where fires are completely banned per the Sheriff's order).
• No Smoking: Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle or building, within a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren and cleared of all flammable materials.
• No Target Shooting (BLM Lands): Recreational target shooting is prohibited, as hot bullet fragments and exploding targets can easily spark a wildfire. Note: Legal hunting in pursuit of game with a valid state license is allowed, but the use of steel-jacketed, steel-core, or incendiary ammunition is prohibited.
• No Fireworks: Possessing, discharging, or using fireworks or pyrotechnic devices of any kind is always prohibited on public lands.

Considerations for Off-Road Vehicles and Power Tools: Extreme caution should be exercised when operating off-road vehicles and power tools. Operators may still utilize motorized vehicles provided they remain strictly on designated roads, paved surfaces, or cleared dirt turnouts. To prevent accidental wildfire ignition from hot exhaust pipes and machinery, vehicles must NOT be driven, parked, or operated on dry grass or brush. Similarly, internal combustion or battery-operated power tools may be prohibited in some jurisdictions, and otherwise must always be used in cleared areas free of flammable vegetation to prevent heat or sparks from starting a fire.

Portable Stoves: Visitors with a valid California Campfire Permit may still use portable stoves or lanterns that use pressurized gas, liquid petroleum, or jellied petroleum, provided they are outfitted with a shut-off valve. Click here for more information on how to obtain a permit.

"With fire danger at a critical high, safety is up to all of us," noted Rose. "Even If you are enjoying a campfire in an authorized area, you must remain vigilant. Never leave it unattended and always ensure it is dead out and cold to the touch before leaving or going to sleep. We urge all residents and visitors to stay informed on changing conditions, respect these temporary bans, and ensure they are registered for real-time local emergency alerts at ready.mono.ca.gov."

Violations of these fire restrictions are punishable by hefty fines and/or imprisonment, and the individual responsible may be held liable for all fire suppression and property damage costs. If you witness a violation of fire restrictions, please do your part to keep our home safe and report it to local authorities at the Mono County Sheriff Non-Emergency Line at (760) 932-7549 ext 7. If you see smoke or an active fire, do not call the non-emergency line-dial 911 immediately.

Stay Informed: Sign Up for 'Ready Mono' Today

With fire season officially here, staying informed through verified, official channels is critical. Mono County emergency officials are urging all residents, business owners, and regular visitors to sign up for READY Mono.

For more information on current fire restrictions visit:

• Inyo National Forest
• Humbold-Toiyabe National Forest
• California Wildfire Dashboard

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