Fire Near Forest Falls was Sparked by Illegal Campfire

US Forest Service
San Bernardino National Forest
602 S. Tippecanoe Ave San Bernardino, CA 92408
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: John Miller (909) 382-2788

Fire Near Forest Falls was Sparked by Illegal Campfire

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., August 13, 2008 -- Firefighters quickly contained the Big Falls wildfire to one-quarter (1/4) acre near Forest Falls on Monday. The wildfire, reported at early Monday morning, was determined to be caused by an escaped illegal campfire.

"The forest is in a fire prone area and this is another example of why campfires are only permitted in designated campgrounds on the San Bernardino National Forest," said Gabe Garcia, Front Country District Ranger.

In addition to illegal campfires, other prohibited activities include fireworks, smoking, operating vehicles with faulty spark arresters, and target shooting except at developed shooting areas "Most wildfires are human caused, and most times it's accidental, but accident or not, we are aggressively enforcing fire regulations on the forest," said Mike Dietrich, Fire Management Officer. Dietrich stresses the importance of knowing current fire restrictions, legal target shooting areas and properly maintaining spark arresters on off highway vehicles. Violating these laws could result in fines and even jail time. Anyone causing a wildfire could be liable for all costs associated with suppressing the fire.

Current fire restrictions on the San Bernardino National Forest include:

· Wood and charcoal fires are permitted only in developed recreation sites with public road access and within agency provided fire rings.

· Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted at Yellow Post Campsites due to high fire danger.

· Recreational shooting is limited to public shooting ranges operated under special use permit such as the Big Bear Sportsman's Club Shooting Range and Lytle Creek Firing Line.

· An approved spark arrester is required for any internal combustion engine. This applies to chainsaws, generators, motorcycles, and off-highway vehicles operated on the National Forest.

· 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.

· Forest Road 1N09 is closed to motorized vehicles from State Highway 330 to Bear Creek

Forest visitors are always encouraged to "Know Before You Go" by checking with the local Ranger Station on current conditions and restrictions. Forest visitor information is also available online at http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sanbernardino/ or by calling (909) 382-
2600.