Contact: John Miller (909) 382-2788
Fire Restrictions Lowered on the San Bernardino National Forest
San Bernardino, Calif. December 8, 2009 – Snow and rain across the San Bernardino National Forest has provided sufficient moisture levels to reduce fire restrictions on the forest effective today. Under the reduced fire restrictions, wood and charcoal fires will once again be allowed in agency-provided campfire rings at Yellow Post Sites and recreational target shooting will be permitted at selected sites.
"Fires can happen at any time of the year, and these relaxed restrictions are due to more favorable weather, but folks must remain vigilant in using caution while enjoying the forest," said San Bernardino National Forest Fire Chief Kurt Winchester.
Current fire restriction and guidelines in effect on the San Bernardino National Forest are as follows:
- Wood and charcoal campfires are allowed only in developed campgrounds and picnic areas, and Yellow Post Sites within agency-provided fire rings or designated stoves.
- Campfire permits are required for propane and gas stoves and lanterns used outside of developed recreation sites.
- Recreational shooting is limited to designated sites and 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 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.
Forest visitors are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” and call ahead to the local Ranger Station to check on location conditions and restrictions.
- Arrowhead Ranger Station 909-382-2758
- Big Bear Ranger Station & Discovery Center 909-382-2790
- Lytle Creek Ranger Station 909-382-2851
- Idyllwild Ranger Station 909-382-2922
- Mill Creek 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/
