San Bernardino National Forest Fire Danger Increases, Officials Raise Fire Restrictions

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Hot weather and lower fuel moistures have prompted the San Bernardino National Forest to increase fire restrictions, effective Thursday September 1, 2011.

Forest officials are taking these steps to prevent human-caused fires and raise public awareness as the summer continues to get warmer and dryer.  Most wildfires on the San Bernardino National Forest are human-caused and increased restrictions are designed to reduce wildland fires.

Forest visitors are reminded to exercise caution when visiting the National Forest and maintain a higher level of awareness with the increased fire risk. Travelers through the Forest should remain on designated roads and never park on dry brush or grass. 

"As we head into hotter and drier conditions, we ask the public's cooperation helping us prevent destructive wildfires" said Fire Chief Shauna Legarza.  "We want visitors to enjoy their public lands, but use common sense in the process."

Fire restrictions and guidelines effective September 1, 2011 on the San Bernardino National Forest are as follows:

• Wood and charcoal fires are permitted only in developed campgrounds and picnic grounds and within agency provided fire rings or camp stoves.
  
• Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted at Yellow Post campsites, Fisherman's Camp, or the following Pacific Crest Trail Camps:
  

1. Bench Camp
   
2. Deer Springs Doble
   
3. Holcomb Crossing
   
4. Little Bear Springs
   
5. Mission Springs
   

• Campfire permits are required for propane and gas stoves and lanterns used outside of developed recreation sites. 
  
• Recreational shooting is limited to Public Shooting Ranges operated under special use permit only, except those engaged in legal hunting. 
  
• An approved spark arrester is required for any internal combustion engine operated on designated forest routes. These include chainsaws, generators, motorcycles, and off-highway vehicles.
  
• Smoking is limited to an enclosed vehicle or building, or within a Developed Recreation Site.  
  
• Fireworks are always prohibited on the San Bernardino National Forest.  
  

The US Forest Service will be aggressively citing those who do not comply with the posted restrictions. Violation of these prohibitions is subject to punishment by a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than six months or both, as Class B misdemeanors under federal law.  Persons may also be responsible for resource damage, suppression costs and any injuries that occur if they are found liable for causing a wildfire.

Forest visitors are encouraged to "Know Before You Go" and call ahead to the local Ranger Station to check on location conditions and restrictions at the following offices:  

San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor's Office
602 S. Tippecanoe Ave.,  San Bernardino
(909) 382-2600  

Arrowhead Ranger Station
28104 State Highway 18, Skyforest
(909) 382-2782  

Big Bear Ranger Station and Discovery Center
41397 North Shore Drive / Highway 38, Fawnskin
(909) 382-2790  

Idyllwild Ranger Station
54270 Pine Crest, Idyllwild
(909) 382-2922  

Lytle Creek Ranger Station
1209 Lytle Creek Road, Lytle Creek
(909) 382-2851  

Mill Creek Ranger Station
34701 Mill Creek Road, Mentone
(909) 382-2881  

Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center
51-500 Highway 74 Palm Desert
(760) 862-9984



Author:San Bernardino National Forest Press Release