Wildfire Prevention & Education

Wildfires are a real and growing risk across California, including the Eastern Sierra. In Mammoth Lakes, most wildfires are human-caused, which means prevention starts with everyday decisions. Whether you're visiting for a weekend or staying longer, understanding fire safety, local restrictions, and responsible outdoor practices is essential. This guide covers everything you need to know to stay safe and help protect the area.

Smoke & Visibility Updates

Fire-Safe Camping Tips

Fire Restrictions

Forest Resilience Project

Ignite Awareness, Not Wildfires

Camp Like A Pro

More info

How to Prevent Wildfires in Mammoth Lakes

Check current fire restrictions before heading outdoors
Only build fires in designated fire rings when allowed
Always carry water and a shovel when using a campfire
Fully extinguish fires (drown, stir, feel until cold)
Never leave a fire unattended
Avoid parking or driving on dry vegetation
Use gas stoves instead of campfires when possible

Smoke & Visibility Updates

Smoke conditions in Mammoth Lakes can change quickly depending on nearby fires and wind patterns. Even if there isn’t a fire locally, air quality may still be affected.

The area 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

Current Air Quality: Check real-time AQI conditions through the Great Basin Unified Air Pollution Control District (GBUAPCD) or AirNow.gov AQI.
Live Visibility: Use webcams to check current visibility. These webcams are particularly valuable when smoke persists, helping you decide whether it’s safe to go outdoors or best to stay indoors.
Active Fires: Wildfires can occur throughout California and surrounding areas, sometimes affecting air quality in Mammoth Lakes. Stay aware of nearby incidents by checking CalFire Incidents or Watch Duty.

What Are Fire Restrictions in Mammoth Lakes?

Fire restrictions are safety measures put in place to reduce the risk of wildfires, especially during dry and high-risk conditions. These rules limit activities like campfires, smoking, and equipment use depending on current fire danger levels.

Fire Safety Tips for Camping in Mammoth Lakes

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:

Current Fire Restrictions—Inyo National Forest—Fire restrictions change throughout the season. Even if it feels cool and damp, there may still be a ban.
Red Flag Warnings—alerts for high winds, dry air, and serious risk of wildfire spread
CAL FIRE Incident Map
Air Quality & Smoke Reports

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. 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 to 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 judgment 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.

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.

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 John Urdi (MLT's President & CEO at the time of recording) 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!