CURRENT FIRE RESTRICTIONS AND GUIDELINES - Effective
December 3, 2008
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Wood and charcoal campfires are allowed only in developed
campgrounds, picnic areas or yellow post sites and only within
agency-provided fire rings / designated stoves. Campfires
are not allowed anywhere else at any time of the year
- Campfire permits are required for propane and gas stoves and lanterns
used outside of developed recreation sites. (permits are available at
your local Ranger Station)
-
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, developed recreation sites,
and areas cleared of vegetation three feet in diameter.
- A permit is required for welding or operating any torch device with an
open flame or for use of any explosive device.
- 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.
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Know Before you Go - contact the local Ranger Station prior to your visit to determine local conditions and use guidelines
Fire Restrictions and Forest Regulations are strictly enforced
Fire Restrictions - Frequently Asked Questions
Why do we have Forest Use Restrictions?
Forest Use Restrictions are in place to protect the public and
natural resources. They are designed to reduce human-caused fires.
Wildfire suppression is very expensive. Most wildfires per year are
human-caused on the San Bernardino National Forest.
What factors does the Forest consider when it determines what
Forest Use Restriction Level is put into place?
The Forest considers the following factors when determining the Use
Restrictions:
- Current National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) level
- Weather forecast (temperature, humidity, and rainfall),
recent rainfall
- Vegetation conditions (live/dead fuel moisture)
- Fire situation in California
- Current fire staffing levels on the Forest and in southern
California
The San Bernardino National Forest Use Restrictions are tied to
the national fire danger levels; however, all of these other factors
also help determine the Forest Use Restrictions
Do the Forest Use Restrictions apply to lands surrounding the San
Bernardino National Forest?
No. The Use Restrictions apply to National Forest System lands
within the boundary of the San Bernardino National Forest. However,
Forest Officers do have the discretion to enforce applicable laws if
an activity poses any threat to the National Forest. Although we
work cooperatively with all local agencies, other jurisdictions such
as CALFIRE and San Bernardino and Riverside Counties may have
different restrictions and closures during periods of high fire
danger. The public should check with the local agency to determine
what restrictions are in place for the areas outside of the National
Forest
What is a Red Flag Warning/Fire Weather Watch?
A Red Flag Warning/Fire Weather Watch is issued by the National
Weather Service for windy or dry weather that could promote large
wildfires should an ignition occur. Typically fire departments
increase fire prevention and suppression staffing levels during
these periods. These warnings usually last for just a few days until
the conditions change or subside. A Red Flag Warning does not
necessarily mean that the Forest is closed to the public, but again
always check with your local Ranger Station for current Forest Use
Restrictions when planning your visit. “Know Before you Go”
Who has the authority to implement Forest Use Restrictions for
the San Bernardino National Forest?
The Forest Supervisor of the San Bernardino National Forest has the
authority to implement Forest Use Restrictions as listed in a
Special Order.
How can I find out what Forest Use Restrictions are for the San
Bernardino National Forest and what the allowable activities may
occur?
Plan ahead, contact the local Ranger Station for more information on
Forest Use Restrictions that may be in effect.
If you have questions on current Forest Use Restrictions or to
hear a recorded message call (909) 382-2600.
Are Forest Use Restrictions the same for all National Forests in
southern California?
No. Each national forest may have different Forest Use Restrictions
based on local circumstances, conditions and facilities. The San
Bernardino National Forest reviews each developed and remote
recreational opportunity and determines which forest uses could be
allowed as fire danger increases. Forest Use Restrictions are
subject to change at any time. If you are planning a visit to one of
the other southern California National Forests, contact them
directly to obtain current information on their use restrictions.
All southern California national forests consider the unique
characteristics of their individual forest when implementing Forest
Use Restrictions. To Contact the Angeles National Forest call (626)
574-1613, and the Cleveland National Forest at (858) 673-6180.
What will happen if I violate Forest Use Restrictions?
You could be issued a violation notice for failing to adhere to
current Forest Use Restrictions. You may also be charged for
wildfire suppression costs. Violation of these regulations are a
Federal offense punishable as a Class B misdemeanor, by a fine of
not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an
organization, or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months or
both. 16 USC § 551, and 18 USC §§ 3559 and 3571.
Can I go camping while Forest Use Restrictions are in place?
Yes, although care and caution should be taken when camping at any
time of the year. Check before you go camping with the local Ranger
Station for current information about what facilities are open and
what uses or areas are restricted or closed.
What is the difference between developed and undeveloped (remote)
camping?
Developed camping occurs at established campgrounds with services
and facilities. A fee is charged. Undeveloped camping means you will
be camping outside a developed site, where there will be more
opportunities for solitude and to ‘rough it’. A detailed set of
rules and regulations exist for undeveloped camping because of
potential fire danger and the impact of vehicles or horses in the
Forest. Check with the local Ranger Station for directions to an
undeveloped camping site or area and to obtain your overnight
Visitor’s Permit and California Campfire Permit. A National Forest
Adventure Pass is required for some areas. In certain areas, only
non-motorized access is allowed to remote campsites because of the
area’s wilderness designation.
Where are campfires allowed?
Wood and charcoal campfires are allowed only in developed
campgrounds, picnic areas, yellow post sites, and special use
permitted sites within agency-provided fire rings or designated
sites. Campfires are not allowed anywhere else at any time of the
year. Additional restrictions may be implemented as fire danger
increases, check with the local Ranger Station.
Can I use a gas, liquid or jelly petroleum-fueled stove in
undeveloped (remote) camping areas?
Yes. Gas, liquid or jelly petroleum-fueled stoves are allowed in
undeveloped areas but require a California Campfire Permit. There is
a detailed set of rules and regulations in place for undeveloped
camping because of fire danger and the impact of vehicles or horses
in the Forest. Additional restrictions may be implemented as fire
danger increases, check with the local Ranger Station.
Can I use a gas, liquid or jelly petroleum-fueled stove in
developed campgrounds and developed picnic areas?
Yes. Gas, liquid and jelly petroleum-fueled camp stoves are allowed
in developed campgrounds and developed picnic areas.
Why are jelly petroleum-fueled stoves okay and campfires aren’t?
Gas, liquid, and jelly petroleum-fueled stoves can be extinguished
by turning off the fuel source to the stove. Jelly petroleum-fueled
stoves can be extinguished by putting a metal lid over the
container. This makes their use much safer than campfires. Ashes or
hot briquettes can blow outside of the fire pit; these embers can
easily start a wildfire. Also, visitors might discard ashes or hot
charcoal briquettes before they are completely cool, which could
cause vegetation to ignite later after they are gone. Wood,
charcoal, or any solid fuel fires are not allowed within the San
Bernardino National Forest outside developed campgrounds, picnic
areas, yellow post sites, and special use permitted sites in
agency-provided fire rings or designated sites at any time of the
year.
When do I need a California Campfire Permit?
You must obtain a California Campfire Permit if you plan to build a
campfire in a yellow post site or use a stove, unless you are in a
developed recreation area (campground or picnic area). Remember,
wood and charcoal fires are never permitted outside yellow post
sites, picnic areas or campgrounds on the San Bernardino National
Forest.
Permits are available free-of-charge at offices of the San
Bernardino National Forest, the Bureau of Land Management, and CAL
FIRE. Remember that regulations governing campfires are specific to
each National Forest and change with weather conditions and the
seasons. To protect yourself and the forest, before each visit check
with the Forest Service for current campfire restrictions.
Can I target shoot on the San Bernardino National Forest?
Target shooting is only permitted at designated sites and facilities
under special use permit. Discharging a firearm with steel core,
armor piercing, or tracer ammunition is prohibited at all times.
Additional restrictions may be implemented as fire danger increases,
check with the local Ranger Station.
Can I use a generator (motorized equipment)?
Yes. A generator with an approved spark arrester may be operated for
recreational purposes on areas that are barren or cleared of all
flammable materials for at least a five-foot radius around the
generator, or if they are internally contained within a recreational
vehicle. All motorized equipment with an internal combustion engine
is required to have a spark arrester. Check before you go with the
local Ranger Station, telephone message system, or Forest website
for current information.
Can I use a chain saw (motorized equipment)?
Yes, providing it has an approved spark arrester and this activity
is allowed under the current Forest Use Restrictions. A fuelwood
permit is required to cut wood and permit holders are required to
contact the Ranger Station in advance of cutting to determine the
fire restrictions in effect for that day. Check with the local
Ranger Station for current restrictions and fuelwood permits. All
chainsaws must have an approved spark arrester.
Can I ride my off-highway vehicle (OHV) in the San Bernardino
National Forest?
Only street legal vehicles are permitted on designated Forest system
roads. Off-Highway Vehicles (OHV’s) are only allowed on posted
designated routes. All OHV’s with an internal combustion engine are
required to have an approved and operating spark arrester and
current registration.
What is a spark arrester?
A spark arrester is a device that traps or pulverizes exhaust carbon
particles to a size below 0.023 inch in diameter as they are
expelled from an exhaust system. Trap style spark arresters must
have a method for cleaning of accumulated carbon particles.
When operating or using any internal or external combustion engine,
a spark-arresting device must be properly installed, maintained, and
in effective working order meeting either the USDA Forest Service
Standard 5100-1a (as amended), or appropriate Society of Automotive
Engineers (SAE) recommended practice J335(b) and J350(a) 36 CFR
261.52(j).
Is smoking allowed on the San Bernardino National Forest?
Currently smoking is limited to enclosed vehicles, developed
recreation sites, and areas cleared of vegetation three feet in
diameter. Even on these approved sites, a 3 foot brush clearing is
required, free of ignitable fuels around the smoker.
If I see someone with fireworks on Forest Service, what should I
do?
Fireworks (or transportation of fireworks) are NEVER allowed within
the San Bernardino National Forest! Report them to the nearest law
enforcement officer, local Ranger Station, or call 911.
Will I be able to hunt on the San Bernardino National Forest?
The San Bernardino National Forest is open to the hunting of birds
and game according to current season schedules and hunting
regulations set by the California Department of Fish and Game.
Always check with the local Ranger Station before you go, they can
provide current information on any area closures or restrictions. |
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