Forest Fire Restrictions

Yesterday, the U.S. Forest Service issued new and tighter fire restrictions for the San Bernardino National Forest (SBNF). Forest officials were spurred to action by the recent high temperatures, which are rapidly reducing vegetative moisture levels.

The current restrictions were effective Monday, July 19 and include the following:

Wood or charcoal fires are permitted only in developed campgrounds, picnic areas and Yellow Post sites on the San Bernardino National Forest;

Campfire permits, which available at your local Ranger Station, 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. This applies to chainsaws, generators, motorcycles, and off-highway vehicles operated on the National Forest;

Smoking is limited to enclosed vehicles, buildings and developed recreation sites;

A permit is required for welding or operating any torch device with an open flame or for use of any explosive device; and

Fireworks are always prohibited on the SBNF. Tracer, armor piercing, steel core, and Teflon ammunitions are also prohibited, as is discharging a firearm at any exploding target.

Besides the above specific restrictions SBNF officials advise travelers that they should never park on dry brush or grass.