Fire Restrictions Heightened In Cleveland National Forest

Cleveland National Forest announced that elevated fire restrictions were imposed today in Riverside County as the dry forest fire season looms closer.

The heightened restrictions are because of "dryer fuel conditions, higher temperatures and the likelihood of small fires becoming large fires,'' Cleveland National Forest Public Affairs Officer Brian Harris said.

Under elevated fire restrictions, the Forest Service restricts activities that have started fires in the past. Fireworks are never allowed in the forest, but now visitors must know additional rules. They must bring spark arresters for all off-highway vehicles and chainsaws, and cease using wood or coal fires except for in the designated campground areas that have already been developed.

Gas, liquid and petroleum stove operations are allowed in all camping and picnic areas except for areas of Descanso and Palomar Ranger District and the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness Area on the Trabuco Ranger District. Shooting a firearm is only allowed during hunting season or for target practice in the pre-designated areas of the forest.

Forest visitors who smoke are only allowed to do so within an enclosed vehicle that is located on developed recreation sites, Harris said.

"When you see a Smokey Bear sign that reads, 'Fire danger today is very high,' you need to know that the likelihood of a wildfire starting, and then quickly developing into a large fire is a strong possibility,'' Cleveland National Forest Fire Chief Carlton Joseph said. "The public needs to be extremely careful when recreating within the forest during period of high, very high and extreme fire danger.''

Visitors seeking information about localized fire restrictions in the Ortega Highway area, San Mateo, Orange County and Corona areas can check with the Trabuco Ranger District at (951) 736-1811.

Information for the forest lands on the San Diego-Riverside county line, including Palomar Mountain, Henshaw, Ramona, Temecula Valley and the Oak Grove areas, is at the Palomar Ranger District at (760) 788-0250.

In San Diego County, fire information for the Alpine, Descanso and Laguna Mountain areas is at the Descanso Ranger District at (619) 445-6235. --City News Service