Date: July 15, 2003
San Bernardino National Forest
P.O. Box 350
Skyforest, California 92385
For Immediate Release
Contacts: Tricia Abbas (909) 866-3437 ext. 3610
No More Campfires on Mountaintop
Tuesday, July 15, 2003 ? High temperatures over the past two weeks have prompted District Ranger Allison Stewart to curtail the public's use of campfires and charcoal bar-b-que grills on the Mountaintop Ranger District until conditions improve. "We've seen a significant drop in the moisture-content of forest vegetation in recent weeks. Given the public's
concern about forest health and fire danger, it's a good idea to limit this activity at this time," said District Ranger Allison Stewart.
Campfires and the use of charcoal bar-b-que grills will still be permitted in developed recreational sites on the Front Country and San Jacinto Ranger Districts of the San Bernardino National Forest because these areas haveenjoyed the benefits of a late marine layer. The marine layer has brought higher humidity and more rain this spring. "Research has shown that campfires are a valuable component of the recreational camping experience and is the deciding factor in the decision whether or not to camp by most people," said Ranger Stewart. "The economies of the small communities in our forest depend upon the business these recreationists bring. For instance, 80 percent of the budget for the City of Big Bear Lake depends upon this income. Cutting the income also cuts the amount of money contributed to that city's fire suppression and police protection. It's avery fragile balance," she said.
The San Bernardino National Forest has developed a graduating plan to protect the public through some forest-use restrictions that reflects changing fire fuel and weather conditions. "My decision to curtail the public's use of campfires and charcoal bar-b-que grills on the Mountaintop District is just one step in the San Bernardino National Forest's plan to protect the public as fire conditions intensify," said Allison Stewart. "The Forest has developed a very solid plan, in conjunction with community leaders that reflects the public's wishes and is based upon science instead of raw emotion. I think it's a plan that meets everyone's needs. I choose to live here too, and I sleep better knowing that we have this plan in place," she said.
The San Bernardino National Forest, in cooperation with its firefighting partners from State and local government, has also implemented a strategy for increased response to all fire reports in an effort to protect life and property. For example, last year three to five fire engines responded to a report of fire in the given area. At an incident in the same location last
week, 12 engines responded to a fire. The engines were from all different fire agencies.
"My decision to curtail campfire and charcoal bar-b-que grills needs to be seen as only one element of the community's overall fire-safe efforts," said Ranger Stewart. "The fact of the matter is that we have no records of a wildfire ever being started from an escaped campfire from the facilities I'm now restricting. But at the same time, the majority of fire-starts are on private land from vehicle malfunctions and accidents, improper disposal of cigarette butts, household accidents and good, old-fashioned irresponsible behavior. We all need to be vigilant of illegal and inappropriate behavior in our community this, and every, summer," she said.
"If you choose to live in the mountains, fire safety is everyone's responsibility."
For specific campground information, please call the Big Bear Discovery Center at (909) 866-3437.
Tricia M. Abbas
Public Affairs
Specialist
Mountaintop Ranger District
San Bernardino National Forest
Email -
trabbas@fs.fed.us (909) 866-3437 ex 3610
