In the FORESTS JULY 4th Weekend
Fire Patrols Responded
to
18 Additional
ILLEGAL Campfires
San Bernardino, CA ___ US Forest Service Fire Fighters,
with the assistance of the Big Bear Fire Crews, were dispatched at
approximately 10:15 A.M. Tuesday, July 6th in the forest, to a
vegetation fire south of the City of Big Bear Lake.
A small fire, approximately 30 ft. X 30 ft. in size, was found
off Mill Creek Road (Forest Service Road #2-N10), between Camp Osito (2-N17)
and Kidd Creek (2-N86) roads. Local visitors were on scene trying to put out
the fire.
The cause of the fire was determined to be an illegal campfire
that escaped into surrounding vegetation. It was placed atop dry pine needles,
causing it to spread under a campfire ring made from rocks. The illegal
campfire was within 100 feet of a sign that said, NO Campfires.
Numerous signs with the same prohibition are posted around the
area. Citronella tea candles and small pop-it fireworks, both which are
prohibited, were also found at the scene.
"Dispersed campfires are not allowed and
this is exactly why," said Michael Koontz, the Acting Division Chief for the
Mountaintop Ranger District. "We really need the public’s help in abiding
by our fire restrictions."
Eighteen (18) additional illegal campfires were addressed by
fire patrols this past holiday weekend across the National Forest. Those
cited for building, maintaining, attending, or using an illegal campfire must
appear in federal court for a hearing.
Fines can be up to $5,000 for an individual and $10,000 for a
group.
Another illegal campfire escaped on May 30 off John Bull Flat Road (3-N10).
Current fire restrictions only allow campfires in rings provided
by Forest Service at developed campgrounds with full-time camp
hosts. If conditions continue to worsen over the fire season, even those
campfires may be prohibited later this year. As such, visitors should always
check fire restrictions before heading out each
time.
Learn more about the
Forests that you may live, play in and visit.
Additional
information: visit http://www.bigbearlake.net/ETNews/Fireworks-PROHIBITED-
“… San Bernardino National Forest personnel reminds visitors, they
play an active role in minimizing fire starts,” said Acting Forest Supervisor
Tom Hall. “Given the drought conditions across the state, we want to ensure
visitors are mindful of local fire restrictions, so everyone can have a safe,
holiday weekend.”
Other fire restrictions include the
prohibition of campfires, open-flame BBQs/grills and smoking, except at a
limited number of campgrounds and picnic areas with full-time hosts. Visitors
are not now allowed to park their vehicles on vegetation or run generators off
Forest Service roads.
A complete
list of all fire restrictions are on the Forest Service website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sbnf/learning/safety-ethics/?cid=FSBDEV7_007776
More
visuals & images: https://twitter.com/SanBernardinoNF/status/1413302618252734466/photo/1
https://twitter.com/SanBernardinoNF/status/1399143880650420224
