As the seasonal fire danger rises, forest officials have
increased fire use restrictions on the San Bernardino National Forest, Thursday,
June 19, 2014.
As California’s three year drought continues, the forest has
experienced below average winter snow and rainfall. During the spring, we
experienced several Santa Ana wind events along with warm, dry weather, leading
to drier fuel conditions. The seasonal weather outlook predicts
temperatures above normal and low humidity, which could create the potential
for large fires. With the current and forecasted conditions, forest
officials are taking steps to prevent human-caused fires and raise public
awareness. 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.
“With the dry weather, we ask the public's help to prevent
destructive wildfires” said Forest Supervisor Jody Noiron. “We want
visitors to enjoy their public lands, but use common sense in the process.”
Fire restrictions and guidelines effective Thursday June
19, 2014 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.
· Campfire permits are
required for propane and gas stoves and lanterns used outside of all 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
Big Bear 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 Visitor Center
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