Southern California Wildfires Bring Drift Smoke to Big Bear Valley, Prompt Increased Restrictions on San Bernardino National Forest

We can expect more drift smoke in our area today (September 1), given the number of wildfires in southern California. Though there are no fires in our immediate area, the Oak Glen Fire continues to burn, at now roughly 1,100 acres, though has not resulted in a closure of Highway 38; there is also now the Pendleton Fire, which started in the Yucaipa area yesterday afternoon. The San Bernardino National Forest reports some good news, as the Cottonwood Fire, in the San Jacinto mountains near Hemet, is 100% contained as of last night. All are encouraged to be fire safe and, to that end, the San Bernardino National Forest has implemented additional restrictions, effective today—those heightened fire restrictions dictate that there are to be no wood or charcoal fires anywhere on the forest. If visiting the forest, please remain on designated roads and never park on dry brush or grass, and limit smoking to enclosed vehicles, buildings and developed recreation sites. (For more info on forest restrictions, see our story posted August 31.)