Officials implement elevated fire restrictions in San Bernardino National Forest
Starting today, elevated fire restrictions will be implemented in San Bernardino National Forest. Park officials made the decision based on recent heightened fire activity locally and nationally, and the current availability of firefighters at-the-ready to respond to a call.
The restrictions may seem obvious to some, especially when the weather can turn the forest into a tinderbox in mere seconds.
“People that are out there will start a campfire it could get out of hand, they don’t follow the safety precautions,” said Cal Fire Captain Fernando Herrera. “Either by accident or some kind of error [ the fires start]. Usually, because we get distracted we don’t pay attention and don’t follow the safety rules in place.”
Currently, over 20 wildfires are actively burning in California. The pervasiveness of the flames can prove to be taxing on local fire stations; Fernando Guevara from Riverside Station 14 has been noticeably mobile recently.
“Just this last month we’ve been going from Riverside to San Bernardino to Big Bear and down to San Diego…this year is worse than last year,” said Guevara.
Officials sent along the following restrictions via news release:
No campfires or barbecues allowed outside certain picnic areas and campsites. Lists of allowable picnic areas and campsites are available at visitor centers and are posted online here for the Front Country and San Jacinto ranger districts and here for the Mountaintop Ranger District. Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit (available free of charge at visitor centers or online at http ://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/ ) are not exempt from the prohibitions but are allowed to use portable contained-gas or liquefied-petroleum stoves or lanterns with a fuel shut-off valve No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building or a developed recreation site listed here or here . Welding, or operating acetylene or other torches with an open flame.”
Related: After the Mountain Fire: An I-Team investigation
The release also provided additional tips to keep in mind to prevent common human-caused fires:
· Prevent vehicle-related fires by maintaining proper tire pressure, ensuring adequate tire tread and checking your brakes for overheating. Avoid traveling or parking on brush or grass. Ensure chains are not dragging while towing.
· Make sure your campfire is dead out! Drown it, stir it, feel it. If it’s not cool to the touch, it isn’t out.
· Motorcycles, ATV’s and chainsaws require an approved spark arrestor.
· Fireworks are always prohibited on U.S. Forest Service land.
Download the KESQ & CBS Local 2 app on iTunes or Google Play for up-to-the-minute breaking news alerts & more
More: I-Team and Stands for You investigations
Find us on Facebook: KESQ News Channel 3 & CBS Local 2
Follow us on Twitter for breaking news updates: @KESQ & @Local2
We’re on Instagram! @KESQ_News_Channel_3 & @CBSLocal2
Noticias en español: Telemundo 15
