San Bernardino, Ca, August 31, 2010 – Moderate to severe drought conditions, hot weather and lower fuel moisture have prompted the San Bernardino National Forest to increase fire restrictions on Thursday, September 2. 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. Fire restrictions and guidelines effective September 2, 2010 on the San Bernardino National Forest are as follows: Wood and charcoal fires are permitted only in campgrounds and picnic grounds and within agency provided fire rings or camp stoves. Forest Rangers may further restrict campfires from campgrounds under extreme fire conditions. Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted at Yellow Post campsites due to high fire danger. Propane and gas stoves only at Yellow Post sites.
Campfires are not permitted at walk/hike-in camps on the Mountaintop Ranger District:
1. Fisherman’s Group Camp west of Green Valley Lake
2. Holcomb PCT Trail Camp north of Green Valley Lake
3. Bench PCT Camp north of Green Valley Lake
4. Little Bear Springs PCT Camp north of Fawnskin
5. Doble PCT Camp north of Baldwin Lake
6. Arraste (Deer Springs) PCT Camp north of Onyx Peak
7. Wildhorse Trail Camp near Sugarloaf Mountain
8. Mission Springs PCT Camp east of Barton Flats
Campfire permits are required for propane and gas stoves used outside of developed recreation sites. Recreational shooting is limited to Public Shooting Ranges operated by concessionaire or special use permits, 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 enclosed buildings, vehicles and developed recreation sites. Fireworks are always prohibited on the San Bernardino National Forest. Tracer, armor piercing, steel core, and Teflon ammunitions are also prohibited, as is discharging a firearm at any exploding target.
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.
Visitors are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” and to contact your local Ranger Station for more information on current conditions.
San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor’s Office: 909-382-2600
Arrowhead Ranger Station: 909-382-2758
Barton Flats Visitor Center 909-794-4861
Big Bear Ranger Station and Discovery Center 909-382-2790
Idyllwild Ranger Station: 909-382-2922
Lytle Creek Ranger Station 909-382-2851
Mill Creek Ranger Station: 909-382-2881
Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitors Center 760-862-9984
For additional information about the San Bernardino National Forest, please visit: http://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf
