Forest officials are taking these steps to prevent human-caused fires and raise public awareness as the summer continues to get warmer and dryer. Most wildfires on the San Bernardino National Forest are human-caused and increased restrictions are designed to reduce wildland fires.
Forest visitors are reminded to 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.
“We want visitors to enjoy their public lands, but use common sense in the process” said Deputy Fire Chief Rocky Opliger. “We are asking the public's cooperation in helping us prevent destructive fires before they start.”
Fire restrictions and guidelines effective July 31, 2009 on the San Bernardino National Forest are as follows:
- Wood and charcoal fires are permitted only in campgrounds and picnic grounds and within agency provided fire rings or camp stoves. Forest Rangers may further restrict campfires from campgrounds under extreme fire conditions.
- Wood and charcoal fires are not permitted at Yellow Post campsites due to high fire danger.
- 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 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.
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/
