Fire Restriction Frequently Asked Questions

A2: While the Cleveland National Fire Restrictions are tied to the national fire danger levels, all of these other factors also help determine the fire restriction level: current National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) level, weather forecast (temperature, humidity, and rainfall), recent rainfall, vegetation conditions (live/dead fuel moisture), fire situation in California, and current fire staffing levels on the Forest.

A3: No. The Cleveland National fire restrictions apply to Cleveland National Forest lands only. Other areas and jurisdictions such as California Department of Forestry & Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) in San Diego, Riverside, and Orange Counties may have different restrictions in place during high fire danger. The public should check with them to determine what restrictions are in place for the other areas.

A4: A Red Flag Warning/Fire Weather Watch is issued by the National Weather Service. These are situations based on windy or dry weather that could result in large wildfires should a fire start. Typically, fire departments increase fire prevention and suppression staffing during these periods. These warnings usually last for just a few days until the conditions change or subside. The red flag warning does not mean that the Forest is closed to the public.

A5: The Forest Supervisor on the Cleveland National Forest has the authority to implement Fire Restrictions as listed in a Special Forest Order.

A6: Plan ahead, contact the local Forest Service Office for more information on fire restrictions that may be in effect. Offices hours are Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm:

Supervisor's Office, 10845 Rancho Bernardo Road, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92127-2107, (858) 673-6180
Trabuco Ranger District, 1147 East Sixth Street, Corona, CA 92879, (951) 736-1811
Palomar Ranger District, 1634 Black Canyon Rd., Ramona, CA 92065, (760) 788-0250
Descanso Ranger District, 3348 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine, CA 91901, (619) 445-6235

A7: Always know before you go! Contact the District offices to determine current allowable uses on the Forest.

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A8: No. Each National Forest may have different fire restrictions based on local circumstances, conditions and facilities. The Cleveland National Forest reviewed each developed and remote recreational opportunity, and determined which forest uses could be allowed under each Fire Restriction level. Fire restrictions are subject to change at any time. If you are planning a visit to one of the other southern California National Forests, contact them directly to obtain current information on their fire restrictions. All southern California forests consider the unique characteristics of their individual forest when implementing fire restrictions.

A9: You can be cited for any violation incurred under the current fire restriction level. You may also be charged for any fire suppression costs. Violation of these regulations are punishable as a Class B misdemeanor, by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months or both. 16 USC § 551, and 18 USC §§ 3559 and 3571.

A10: Yes, although care and caution should be taken when camping at any time of the year. Check before you go camping with the local Forest Service Office or website for current information about what is open and what uses or areas are restricted or closed.

A11: Undeveloped camping means you will be camping outside an established Forest Service campground. A detailed set of rules and regulations exist for undeveloped camping because of fire danger and the impact of vehicles or horses in the forest. Check with the local Cleveland National Forest Office for directions to an undeveloped camping area and to obtain your overnight Visitor’s Permit. A National Forest Adventure Pass is required for some areas. On the Trabuco Ranger District, undeveloped (remote) camping is only allowed in the San Mateo Canyon Wilderness and such use must be non-motorized because of the area’s wilderness designation.

A12: Wood and charcoal fires are allowed only in developed campgrounds and developed picnic areas within designated fire rings. Campfires are not allowed outside developed campgrounds and developed picnic areas at any time of the year. When Fire Restrictions are ELEVATED, additional sites within campgrounds and picnic areas may be restricted. Check with local Cleveland National Forest Offices for a list of campgrounds and picnic areas open under current Fire Restrictions.

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A13: The use of gas, liquid stoves and lanterns, and jelly petroleum stoves are allowed in all areas of the Cleveland National Forest. You must check in at the local Cleveland National Forest Office to obtain your overnight visitor’s permit. The office will have directions to undeveloped camping areas.

Under ELEVATED FIRE RESTRICTIONS, the use of gas, liquid stoves and lanterns, and jelly petroleum stoves are allowed in all areas of the Cleveland National Forest except the San Mateo Wilderness within the Trabuco Ranger District. Stoves must be used in areas that have been cleared to a minimum of five feet in diameter of flammable vegetation.

A14: Yes. Gas, liquid and jelly petroleum-fueled camp stoves are allowed in developed campgrounds and developed picnic areas.

A15: Gas, liquid, and jelly petroleum-fueled stoves can be extinguished by turning off the fuel source to the stove. Jelly petroleum-fueled stoves can be extinguished by putting a metal lid over the container. This makes their use much safer.

A16: Ashes or hot briquettes can blow outside of the fire pit; these embers can easily start a wildfire. Visitors might discard ashes or hot charcoal briquettes before they are completely cool, which could cause vegetation to ignite later after they are gone. Wood, charcoal, or any solid fuel fires are not allowed on the Cleveland National Forest outside developed campgrounds and developed picnic areas in designated fire rings at any time of the year.

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A17: Target shooting is not permitted on the Cleveland National Forest.

A18: Yes. A generator with an approved spark arrester may be operated for recreational purposes on areas that are barren or cleared of all flammable materials for at least a five-foot radius around the generator, or if they are internally contained within a recreational vehicle. All motorized equipment with an internal combustion engine is required to have a spark arrester. Under ELEVATED FIRE RESTRICTIONS, use of generators may be restricted to designated areas. Check before you go with the local Forest Service Office, telephone message system, or website for current information.

A19: Yes, providing it has an approved spark arrester and this activity is allowed under the current fire restriction level. A permit is required to cut wood on the Cleveland National Forest. Check before you go with the local Forest Service Office for current restrictions. All chainsaws must have an approved spark arrester.

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A20: Only street legal vehicles are permitted on forest roads. Off-highway vehicles (OHVs) are only allowed in designated OHV areas and designated routes. These areas/routes are Wildomar on the Trabuco Ranger District and Bear Valley/Corral Canyon on the Descanso Ranger District. All motorized equipment with an internal combustion engine is required to have a spark arrester.

A21: A spark arrester is a device that traps or pulverizes exhaust carbon particles to a size below 0.023 inch in diameter; as they are expelled from an exhaust system. Trap style spark arresters must have a method for cleaning of accumulated carbon particles.

When operating or using any internal or external combustion engine, a spark-arresting device must be properly installed, maintained, and in effective working order meeting either the US Forest Service Standard 5100-1a (as amended), or appropriate Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recommended practice J335(b) and J350(a) 36 CFR 261.52(j).

A22: Yes. However, when the ELEVATED FIRE RESTRICTIONS are in effect, smoking is allowed only in enclosed vehicles, developed campgrounds or developed picnic areas.

A23: Fireworks or transportation of fireworks, are NEVER allowed on the Cleveland National Forest! Report them to the nearest law enforcement officer, Ranger Station or call 911.

A24: The Cleveland National Forest is open to the hunting of birds and game according to current season schedules and hunting regulations set by the California Department of Fish and Game. When the ELEVATED FIRE RESTRICTIONS are in effect, some areas may be restricted to entry by foot or vehicle. Always check with the Cleveland National Forest offices before you go. They can provide current information on hunting restrictions.

A25: This is a public safety issue. An Emergency Area Closure is implemented as a last resort. These closures are reserved for our most critical conditions, and when we have limited options to provide for public safety and protect natural resources. When the combination of low fuel moisture, local fire activity, depletion of local equipment and resources, and the extended fire weather forecast indicate CRITICAL levels, the FOREST CAN BE CLOSED. Over the last few years, wildfire behavior on the southern California forests has shown to be highly erratic and deadly.

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https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/cleveland/landmanagement/resourcemanagement/?cid=fsbdev7_016451