Fire restriction change

[Old Fart]

No open fires at Yellow Post campsites!

Fire Restrictions to take effect on National Forest

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif., June 24, 2008—San Bernardino National Forest
Supervisor Jeanne Wade Evans announced today that she is implementing
additional fire restrictions on the forest as of Thursday, June 26.

“With hotter-than- normal temperatures, forest visitors need to be extra
vigilant while enjoying the forest this time of year,” said Wade Evans.

Under the restrictions, campfires are only permitted in agency provided
fire rings at developed campground sites and picnic sites with public
road access. No open campfires or charcoal fires are allowed outside of
these designated recreation sites, anywhere on the forest. Fires will
NOT be permitted at any yellow post sites.

Target shooting will be permitted only at public shooting ranges
operated under a special use permit, including the Lytle Creek Firing
Range, Big Bear Sportsman’s Club and Lake Arrowhead Fish and Game
Conservation Club Target Range. Target shooting restrictions will not
impact the use of a firearm while legally hunting.

In addition, Forest Service Road 1N09 will be closed to motorized
vehicles from Highway 330 to the Middle Control Road until further
notice.

With the upcoming holiday weekend, visitors are reminded that fireworks
are always prohibited on the San Bernardino National Forest.

“We want people to enjoy the forest, but to do it responsibly,” said
Wade Evans.

Restrictions will include:

· Campfires or charcoal fires are ONLY allowed in agency provided fire
rings at developed picnic areas and campgrounds with public road access.
· Gas and propane camping stoves and lanterns are permitted.

[Roger]

Well I suppose they have to impose these restrictions. I guess I don't quite get the no camp fires at yellow post sites. They have fire rings and it seems like everyone I've ever stayed at or seen have a huge clearnce around them....

[Old Fart]

If you knew how many abandoned campfires the OHV volunteers and USFS put out, you might feel different

[hondatom]

common sence aint all that common. It is our obligation to ensure that everyone we encounter in the forest acts in a mannor that will protect our right to enjoy the great outdoors.
Take time to smell the flowers, smell the coffee, and feed the deer---to your family.

[sarah]

If you knew how many abandoned campfires the OHV volunteers and USFS put out, you might feel different

We have found them on our trail in the past. Greg showed us how to put one out properly.
http://www.myjeeprocks.com/reports/2...84-work-party/ (halfway down)

[Old Fart]

Yep, one of the reasons I have 12 gallons of water on the back

[FishPOET]

We had a interesting conversation with Ranger Audrey at YP2 on Thursday morning. She did not mention the new fire restrictions.

[Old Fart]

Doesn't surprise me - 80% of the REC officers didn't realize the SBNF had banned campfires in dispersed camping when that happened. And I know several of the new officers will be attending my next rules & Regulations (I don't know whether I should be flattered or scared)

[Roger]

Yep, one of the reasons I have 12 gallons of water on the back

I carry a shovel for the same reason

[karstic]

I carry a shovel for the same reason

Yes, but a shovel can't put a fire DEAD OUT.

[Old Fart]

Nor is only a shovel in compliance with the conditions of a campfire permit (need both shovel and water)

[karstic]

This is from the Sierra NF website

HOW TO SAFELY BUILD A CAMPFIRE
Prepare Your Site - Find a level spot away from overhanging branches, brush, or dry grass. Keep away from the base of a hill. Escaped fires travel uphill fast. With a shovel, clear a circle 10 feet wide down to bare dirt. Hollow out a fire pit 6 inches deep and 2 feet across at the center of the cleared circle. Pile the dirt around the fire pit. Keep your fire small. Use existing fire rings where available to reduce the number of disturbed areas and damage to soil cover and vegetation

Beware of the Duff - Duff is the layer of decomposing wood material that lies on the forest floor between pine needles and bare dirt. Many times it may look like dirt, but it isn't. Duff burns, dirt doesn't. It allows even the smallest ember to smolder for days, most times underground and unnoticed, until enough heat is built up to produce flames. Don't let the duff fool you.

Attend to Your Fire - Never leave your campfire unattended, even for a few minutes or if you take a nap.

Drown the Fire - Drown your campfire 1/2 hour before you break camp. Use your shovel to separate the burning pieces of wood in the fire pit.

Stir and Mix - Stir and mix water with the ashes until the fire is out. Don't try to bury the fire under dirt, it can smolder for hours and then escape.

Drown Briquettes - Charcoal briquettes should be extinguished by dumping into a pail of water, mixing thoroughly, and then place into the fire pit.

Feel the Ashes - Feel the ashes to be sure the fire is out. Before you leave the campsite, check the area within 50 feet of the fire for sparks or embers that may have escaped.

It Can Cost You - You will be held liable for the cost of suppression and damages caused by any wildfire that starts through negligence on your part.

Come Prepared - Obtain your campfire permit, bring your shovel, and a pail for water.

[Old Fart]

Yep - why just a shovel isn't enough. We find lots (and lots!) of buried fires that are still very hot underneath the soil.

[Roger]

Nor is only a shovel in compliance with the conditions of a campfire permit (need both shovel and water)

A clarification: I was thinking more along fire fighting. I was a Paid call fireman in my 20s & 30s and did a lot of hand work with shovels, etc. I wasn't thinking putting out a camp fire. I guess in 58 years I've never run across an unattended camp fire!
I can see where carring water for that purpose would be a good idea.