Beginning Tuesday, restrictions will be tightened on campfires, target shooting, smoking and other activities in the San Bernardino National Forest in an attempt to minimize wildfire risks.
According to the U.S. Forest Service, rangers will be clamping down on violators because of the hot, dry conditions contributing to fire danger, reflected in the massive Apple Fire burning on forest land in the San Gorgonio Pass.
Between Tuesday and whenever the wet season arrives in Southern California, the following restrictions will be in place, officials said:
— No campfires except in open family camping areas, and the fires must be within designated rings;
— barbecuing will only be permitted on grill stands at Lake Hemet and Lake Fulmor in Riverside County;
— no smoking is allowed except in a vehicle or a designated location within campgrounds;
— no shooting at outdoor ranges within the Riverside County side of the forest, or on open ground, though hunting by permit can proceed; and
— all stoves and lanterns must have shut-off valves.
“There is a mandatory federal court appearance for any citation given for violating fire restrictions,” according to a USFS statement. “There is a maximum fine of $5,000, or up to six months imprisonment.”
Roughly one-third of the 676,000-acre San Bernardino National Forest is in Riverside County.
More information is available at www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf.