With the Old Water Fire burning at the edge of the forest and the fire danger level at “extreme,” officials with San Bernardino National Forest today announced that fire restrictions will be increased beginning Friday, October 25, 2019. The new restrictions prohibit all campfires on National Forest lands and are enforced through a forest order.
The previous elevated fire restrictions allowed campfires in a number of developed campgrounds. Other restrictions remain. They include a smoking prohibition and the ability to use a portable contained-gas or liquefied-petroleum stove or lantern with a fuel shut-off valve when in procession of a California Campfire Permit.
“The combination of high winds and temperatures, low humidity and dry vegetation, as well as recent local fire activity, makes it necessary for us to take this precaution,” said Acting Deputy Fire Chief Scott Howes. “If you look back at the last days of October over the years, it was conditions like these when the most explosive fires on the National Forest occurred,” he said, referencing the Old, Grand Prix, Esperanza, Grass Valley and Slide fires.
The restrictions are scheduled to expire on December 31, 2019, however, they may be extended or lifted early depending on conditions at that time.
Official restrictions below:
SAN BERNARDINO NATIONAL FOREST
Forest Order No. 05-12-00-19-05
Fire Restrictions
Pursuant to 16 USC 551 and 36 CPR 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the San Bernardino National Forest. This Order is effective from October 25, 2019 through December 31, 2019.
1. Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire or campfire. 36 CPR 261.52(a).
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building. 36 CPR 261.52( d).
3. Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 CPR 261.52(i).
Pursuant to 36 CPR 261.50( e ), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Any Federal, State or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or
firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
2. Persons with a permit from the Forest Service specifically authorizing the
otherwise prohibited act or omission.
3. Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the
prohibitions listed above, however, persons with a valid California Campfire
Permit may use a portable contained-gas or liquefied-petroleum stove or lantern
with a fuel shut-off valve in the areas listed in Exhibit A.
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CPR Part 261, Subpart A. A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months or both. 16 USC 551, and 18 USC 3559, 3571, and 3581.
Executed in San Bernardino, California, this 24th day of October, 2019.
This Order supersedes Order No. 05-12-00-19-03, signed on August 6, 2019.