San Bernardino National Forest Raises Fire Restrictions

US Forest Service
San Bernardino National Forest
602 S. Tippecanoe Ave San Bernardino, CA 92408
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Valerie Baca (909) 382-2711


SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., August 31, 2009 – The San Bernardino National Forest is increasing fire restrictions on Tuesday September 1, 2009, due to hot, dry weather and high fire activity in southern California. “We’re asking for the public’s help in protecting the forest from the threat of wildland fires during these harsh weather conditions,” said Forest Supervisor Jeanne Wade Evans. “Our ultimate goal is to keep the forest open and enjoyable for visitors, and these precautionary measures can help reduce the threat of a large fire impacting the forest,” added Wade Evans.

Forest visitors must exercise caution when visiting the National Forest and maintain a higher
level of awareness with the increased fire risk. Travelers through the Forest should remain on
designated roads and never park on dry brush or grass.

Fire restrictions and guidelines effective September 1, 2009, on the San Bernardino National
Forest are as follows:

• No wood or charcoal fires anywhere 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, buildings 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.

The US Forest Service will be aggressively citing those who do not comply with the posted restrictions. Violation of these prohibitions is subject to punishment by a fine of not more than $10,000 or imprisonment for not more than six months or both, as Class B misdemeanors under federal law. Persons may also be responsible for resource damage, suppression costs and any injuries that occur if they are found liable for causing a wildfire.

Forest visitors are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” and call ahead to the local Ranger Station to check on location conditions and restrictions.

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