Wildfire Prevention & Education

Every year, wildfires impact communities, wildlife, and natural landscapes across California and beyond. Whether you're a long-time resident or just passing through, everyone plays a vital role in preventing human-caused wildfires. Nearly all wildfires in California are human-caused, which means your actions matter. This guide provides practical tips to help keep our forests, homes, and loved ones safe.

Smoke & Visibility Updates
Forest Resilience Project
Ignite Awareness, Not Wildfires
Fire-Safe Camping Tips
Camp Like A Pro
Fire Restrictions
More info

Smoke & Visibility Updates

Mammoth Lakes can experience smoke from wildfires in surrounding areas, even when there isn’t a fire nearby. Conditions can shift quickly with changes in wind and weather, causing visibility and air quality to vary throughout the day. Stay informed about current smoke levels to help you plan the your stay, whether that’s heading out for a hike, exploring town, or enjoying indoor options until the skies clear. Below, you’ll find resources to check current air quality and stay updated on fires.

Resources

Whitebark Institute

Forest Resilience Project

Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Reduction

Beginning in 2025 after several years of planning, the Eastern Sierra Climate & Communities Resilience Project (ESCCRP) started its major forest restoration effort spanning 65,000 acres. Led by the Whitebark Institute, Inyo National Forest, and local partners, this work will improve forest health, reduce wildfire risk, and enhance ecosystem resilience.

Active from May to September, treatments like mechanical and hand thinning will take place in high-priority areas. Temporary closures of select roads, campgrounds, and trailheads may occur for public safety during operations.

This project addresses overgrown forests caused by a century of fire suppression, which has increased the risk of extreme wildfires and disease.

Temporary public access restrictions will be necessary at select roads, campgrounds, and trailheads during active operations.

View Public Closures

Deepen Your Knowledge

Whitebark Institute

Wildfire Season is Year-Round

"Ignite Awareness, Not Wildfires" is your guide to understanding local risk and how you can help keep this place wildfire resilient. Follow along to explore fire conditions, local history, and smart steps…
Learn More
Travel Beyond Podcast

Community Wildfire Resilience Efforts

We're excited to share that Mammoth Lakes is in the spotlight on an episode of the Travel Beyond podcast by Destination Think! Tune in as MLT President & CEO John Urdi joins host David Archer to talk about what wildfire resilience means for Mammoth Lakes and why protecting the area is a top priority.

In this episode, you'll hear about the "Mammoth Donut Project" an initiative funded in part through visitor dollars and how it's helping us safeguard this incredible place for generations to come.

A big thank you to the Destination Think team for helping us share our story with travelers who care about the places they visit.

Tune in here!

Top 3 Ways to Be Fire-Safe While Camping

1. Know before you go and check fire conditions first

Before hitting the trail, campground, or scenic route, make it a habit to check the current fire danger level, weather forecast, and any local restrictions. Below are some resources to bookmark:

2. Campfire permits

There’s only one thing standing between a safe campfire and a dangerous wildfire; your fire safety skills. Don’t be that camper who sparks the next big blaze. Our friends at Camp Like a Pro have prepared these essential tips to help you camp safely and responsibly this season:

  • For dispersed camping, get your mandatory California Campfire Permit at ReadyForWildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit. Always check local fire restrictions.
  • Campfire permits are required, even for stoves and BBQs.
  • Portable stoves that use gas, liquid, or jellied fuel with emergency shut off valves are good alternatives for campfires.

3. Safety and preparation

When it comes the fire safety, shoot for over prepared. If for some reason things don't go according to plan, you'll be glad you did.

  • Have plenty of water and a shovel nearby.
  • Even if fires are allowed, but your judgement tells you conditions are dangerous, don't light one.
  • Use an existing fire ring or choose a spot that’s already clear—don’t create new scars on the landscape.
  • On Forest Service land, clear at least 10 feet of bare ground around your fire ring and on BLM land, leave 5 feet and be sure not to damage any sagebrush or native shrubs. Never cut live vegetation to clear space or to use as firewood.
  • Only collect dead and downed wood, or buy local firewood. Don’t bring firewood from home, as it can bring invasive insects that can harm the forests you came to enjoy.
  • Tend your fire like a boss. If you are not watching it, douse it.
  • KNOW HOW TO PUT YOUR FIRE COMPLETELY OUT. Drown, stir, and feel. If it’s not cold to the touch—it’s not out.

For additional guidance, check out Whitebark Institute's Fire Safety Tips for Recreation.

Camp Like A Pro
Campfire Safety: How to Camp Like a Pro
When many of us think of camping, we picture a classic scene of friends around a campfire swapping stories and roasting s’mores. In wildfire-prone regions like the Eastern Sierra, as much as…
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Camp Like A Pro
Dispersed Camping Just Outside of Mammoth Lakes
If you’re looking for a more rustic camping experience (think: no bathrooms, no trash cans, no running water, no campfire rings) dispersed camping might be an option for you.
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Camp Like A Pro
Eastern Sierra Sustainable Recreation Partnership
ESSRP’s “Camp Like a Pro” initiative promotes responsible camping with tips for dispersed camping, Leave No Trace practices, and fire safety—like checking restrictions, using campfire permits, and being prepared.
Learn More

What You Need to Know About Fire Restrictions in Mammoth Lakes

Familiarize yourself with the 3 stages of fire restriction. Before and during your trip, stay informed on which stage is in place. We know there is a lot to celebrate while vacationing in the beautiful Mammoth Lakes region but please note, fireworks are always prohibited.

Stage 1 Fire Restrictions

Fire danger is moderate, and basic outdoor activities are allowed with some precautions. Under Stage 1 restrictions, campfires are only allowed in designated fire rings or pits. Smoking is limited to cleared areas, vehicles, or buildings. Fireworks are prohibited. Gas-powered stoves may be used for cooking.

Stage 2 Fire Restrictions

Campfires are prohibited, including developed recreation sites, campgrounds, and day use areas. This includes twig stoves commonly used by hikers, portable wood/charcoal fire pits, and stoves. Portable stoves with contained fuel sources (propane, jellied petroleum, etc.) and an on/off switch are allowed. Smoking is limited to cleared areas, vehicles, or buildings. Fireworks are prohibited. Gas-powered stoves may be used for cooking. Don't park a vehicle or motorized equipment over dry vegetation.

Stage 3 Fire Restrictions

"Forest Closure," public entry is prohibited due to the extreme fire danger. At times, National Forests may close specific geographic areas, or the entire forest. Wherever a closure is implemented, the public cannot enter any National Forest lands, roads, or trails.

More resources for your next outdoor adventure