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Current Fire Restrictions and Related Prohibitions
The following acts are prohibited on the San Bernardino National Forest:
Forest Order No. 05-12-00-23-07 is effective Sept. 17, 2023, through Jan. 31, 2024.
- Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or charcoal fire except in a Forest Service-provided campfire ring or BBQ within the areas listed in Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or in the areas listed in Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).
- Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(i).
- Discharging a firearm except within the recreational shooting areas identified in Exhibit B. 36 C.F.R. § 261.58(m).
The following persons are exempt from this Order:
- Any Federal, State or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
- Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the prohibitions listed above. However, persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may use a portable campfire ring/pit, stove, or lantern in an area at least five feet from any flammable materials provided that the portable campfire ring/pit, stove, or lantern only burns gas, kerosene, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel, with a shut-off valve.
- Persons with a valid Forest Service special use authorization for a resort or organizational camp are exempt from Prohibition No. 1, while at their resort or organizational camp, provided the activity is done in compliance with the terms of the authorization.
- Persons with a valid Forest Service special use authorization for a recreational residence are allowed to have a charcoal BBQ at their residences provided the activity is done in compliance with the terms of the authorization and the charcoal is disposed of in a manner that prevents a wildfire.
- Persons with a Forest Service non-special use written authorization to conduct non-recreational activities, such as harvesting timber or forest products, or grazing livestock, are exempt from Prohibition No. 3, provided the activity is done in compliance with the terms of the authorization.
- Persons hunting during open hunting season as specified by the laws of the State of California, and possessing a valid California hunting license, may discharge a firearm at a legal game bird or mammal.
The following acts are prohibited on all National Forests in California, including San Bernardino National Forest:
- Using an explosive. 36 CFR 261.52(b).
- Possessing any substance, material, or any combination of substances or materials, with the intent to make any destructive device or any explosive within the State of California, without first obtaining a valid permit from the State of California, as required by California Penal Code 18720. 36 CFR 261.52(k).
- Possessing, discharging or using any kind of firework or other pyrotechnic device. 36 CFR 261.52(f).
- Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine, without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order in accordance with the U.S. Forest Service Standard 5100-1a. 36 CFR 261.52(j).
The following acts are prohibited on all National Forests, including the San Bernardino National Forest:
- Carelessly or negligently throwing or placing any ignited substance or other substance that may cause a fire. 36 CFR § 261.5(a).
- Firing any tracer bullet or incendiary ammunition. 36 CFR § 261.5(b).
- Causing timber, trees, slash, brush or grass to burn except as authorized by permit. 36 CFR § 261.5(c).
- Leaving a fire without completely extinguishing it. 36 CFR § 261.5(d).
- Causing and failing to maintain control of a fire that is not a prescribed fire that damages the National Forest System. 36 CFR § 261.5(e).
- Building, attending, maintaining, or using a campfire without removing all flammable material from around the campfire adequate to prevent its escape. 36 CFR § 261.5(f).
- Negligently failing to maintain control of a prescribed fire on Non-National Forest System lands that damages the National Forest System. 36 CFR § 261.5(g).
Forest visitors are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” and call ahead to the local Ranger Station to check on location conditions and restrictions.