The San Bernardino National Forest raised its fire danger level to “very high” ahead of the Fourth of July holiday weekend, the agency announced Wednesday, June 29.
The fire danger rating was raised on Tuesday, June 28, in response to prolonged hot and dry weather conditions, below-level moisture levels in fuels and severe drought conditions in the forest, the agency said in a news release.
The fire danger restrictions echo those implemented in May that prohibit campfires and wood or charcoal barbeques at un-hosted campgrounds and picnic areas, firearm discharges, smoking, welding or use of an open-flame torch and using an internal combustion engine off of paved, gravel or dirt forest roads and trails.
Fireworks and pyrotechnics are prohibited on forest lands as well, as they routinely are throughout the year, including on Angeles and Cleveland national forest lands, the U.S. Forest Service said.
Enjoy Your National Forest, but please leave your fireworks at home. “Know Before You Go” and learn about important information to make your trip enjoyable and safe. #SafetyFirst pic.twitter.com/HuMeUPmF8S
— Cleveland NF (@ClevelandNF) June 27, 2022
The announcement comes ahead of the holiday weekend celebrations as well as the anticipated worsening fire danger level conditions, the San Bernardino National Forest said.
“As visitors are preparing to celebrate Fourth of July festivities outdoors, the San Bernardino National Forest officials are reminding the public that fire restrictions remain in effect due to the danger from current and anticipated worsening conditions,” the agency said in its release.
In the Angeles National Forest, some areas are temporarily closed for the holiday weekend, the agency said. From Friday, July 1, to July 7, the Millard Campground will be closed and vehicle traffic will be temporarily closed at the Chaney Road gate leading to the Millard Day Use Area.
As of Wednesday, fire danger levels were rated as being “high” in the Angeles National Forest and “moderate” in the Cleveland National Forest, according to their websites.
Also, the North Etiwanda Preserve, located north of Rancho Cucamonga, will be closed from Friday through Tuesday, July 5, due to “high fire danger,” San Bernardino County announced Tuesday.
