News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Fire Restrictions Increased in National Forest

Fire Restrictions Increased in National Forest

Changes Announced Due to Dry Conditions

By Michael P. Neufeld
Wednesday, November 19, 2008

San Bernardino, CA – Extremely dry conditions, and potential strong winds, have prompted San Bernardino National Forest officials to announce new fire restrictions. These restrictions are effective immediately.

No open campfires, even in developed campgrounds, picnic areas, yellow post sites or group camps. Wood or charcoal barbecues are not allowed.

Target shooting will be permitted only at developed shooting ranges only, including the Lytle Creek Firing Range, Big Bear Sportsman's Club and the Lake Arrowhead Fish and Game Conservation Club Target Range.

San Bernardino National Forest Supervisor Jeanne Wade Evans. (Photo by US Forest Service.)

"We are asking forest visitors and mountain residents to exercise extreme caution during the extremely dry conditions we are experiencing right now," said Forest Supervisor Jeanne Wade Evans.

Current fire restriction, and guidelines, in effect in the San Bernardino National Forest are as follows:

• Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted on the San Bernardino National Forest.
• Campfire permits are required for propane and gas stoves, and lanterns used outside of 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 enclosed vehicles, developed recreation sites, and areas cleared of vegetation three feet in diameter.
• Fireworks are always prohibited on the San Bernardino National Forest. Tracer, armor piercing, steel core, and Teflon ammunition's are also prohibited, as is discharging a firearm at any exploding target.
• Forest Road 1N09 is closed to Motorized Vehicles - State Highway 330 to Bear Creek.

Fire Danger Very High (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Forest Visitors are encouraged to "Know Before You Go", and call ahead to the local Ranger Station to check on location conditions and restrictions.

Cajon Ranger Station - (909) 382-2850

Arrowhead Ranger Station - (909) 382-2758

Big Bear Ranger Station & Discovery Center - (909) 382-2790

Cajon Ranger Station - (909) 382-2850

Idyllwild Ranger Station - (909) 382-2922

San Gorgonio Ranger Station - (909) 382-2881

Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument - (760) 862-9984

For additional information about the San Bernardino National Forest, please visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/.