Fire restrictions on the San Bernardino National Forest will be elevated beginning Tuesday, August 6, 2019, officials announced today. The changes will include limiting campfires to selected sites, increased restrictions on smoking and the prohibition of welding and other open-flame activities without the proper permits.
“The wet winter has provided a very mild fire season on the forest thus far, but vegetation is beginning to dry out,” said Jaime Gamboa, fire chief on the San Bernardino National Forest. “As we near Smokey Bear’s 75th birthday later this week, we’re asking the public to take his ‘one less spark’ message to heart”
The restrictions, which are enforced through a forest order, are set to expire December 31, 2019, but may be rescinded early or extended depending on conditions at that time. The forest order and the list of which campgrounds and picnic areas where fires in Forest Service-provided fire rings and grills will still be allowed can be viewed here (PDF).