BIG BEAR – (INT) – Fire restrictions are being ramped up in the San Bernardino National Forest effective Monday. Officials say their decision is based on the level of fire activity and the availability of firefighters for response.

Restrictions until further notice:

• No campfires or barbeques allowed outside certain picnic areas and campsites. Lists of allowable picnic areas and campsites are available at visitor centers and are posted online for the Front Country and San Jacinto ranger districts and for the Mountaintop Ranger District

• Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit (available free of charge at visitor centers or online at http://www.preventwildfireca.org/Campfire-Permit/) are not exempt from the prohibitions but are allowed to use portable contained-gas or liquefied-petroleum stoves or lanterns with a fuel shut-off valve

• No smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building or a developed recreation site

No Welding, or operating acetylene or other torch with open flame.

The restrictions also apply to the neighboring Cleveland National Forest.

Story Date: July 20, 2018