Today’s Fire Danger Is “Moderate,” Though Increased Restrictions on the San Bernardino National Forest Remain in Place

Though yesterday was a Red Flag Warning day in Big Bear, as issued by the National Weather Service and indicating critical fire conditions, fire officials with the San Bernardino National Forest have determined that today’s conditions warrant a “moderate” on the fire danger scale. Still, increased fire restrictions on the forest, which took effect last Friday, remain in place. Some of these restrictions include the following: wood and charcoal fires permitted only in campgrounds and picnic grounds and within agency fire rings; recreational shooting is limited to public shooting ranges; an approved spark arrestor is required for all internal combustion engines, including chainsaws, generators and motorcycles; and smoking in forest areas is only permitted within enclosed vehicles, developed sites and areas cleared of vegetation three feet in diameter. Officials with the San Bernardino National Forest also remind that travelers through the forest should remain on designated roads and never park on dry brush or grass. As Smokey Bear has been saying for, now, 65 years: “Only you can prevent forest fires.” For more information on restrictions on the San Bernardino National Forest, please see our story posted July 29; for more info on Smokey’s birthday, see our story posted August 5.