Forest reminds visitors that fireworks and dispersed campfires are prohibited

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — With an expected jump in visitors this holiday weekend, officials with San Bernardino National Forest would like to issue a reminder that fireworks are prohibited, as are ground fires not within a Forest Service-provided metal fire ring or barbecue grill at an open developed recreation site or campground.

Through early June, illegal campfires had increased 150% year to date. Just last week, Forest Service personnel extinguished two illegal campfires that turned into small wildfires.

With the additional pressure of full campgrounds, packed recreational sites and the potential for wildfires, the San Bernardino National Forest will be fully staffed throughout the weekend, patrolling to ensure compliance.

So, where is it legal to have a campfire? Wood and charcoal fires are allowed only in agency-provided fire rings, found at most developed recreation sites such as campgrounds. Campers at yellow post sites, which are semi-developed, typically also have these fire rings. However since the yellow post sites are often in more remote areas, visitors must have a valid California Campfire Permit, which is free online. The permits are also required for dispersed campers backpackers anywhere on the forest using portable contained-gas fire ring, stove or lantern with a fuel shut-off valve. Any other type of ground fire is prohibited, as it can continue to smolder decaying fuels underground for days or even weeks, only to reignite again long after the visitor leaves.

When a visitor is done enjoying their campfire in an agency-provided fire ring at a developed site, be sure it is dead out! Drown it, stir it, feel it. If it’s not cool to the touch, it isn’t out. Extinguishing campfires must also be done when going to sleep for the night or leaving the site for the day.

In addition to the threat of human life, property and natural resources, there is another potential consequence for having an illegal ground fire in the Forest: You could be issued a violation notice or even charged for wildfire suppression costs. It is a federal offense punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 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 and 3571).

The punishment for possession, discharge or use of fireworks is the same, pursuant to 16 USC 551 and 36 CFR 261.50(a) and (b).

Please report illegal campfires and fireworks by reporting them to the nearest law enforcement officer or call 911.

For information on local fireworks regulations outside Forest Service lands, or to find out how to report them go to: