Fire Danger Lowers In Southern California Forest
LOS ANGELES (AP) — A series of rainstorms earlier this month has prompted authorities to reduce their rating for fire danger from "very high" to "high" in Southern California's Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.
The lower rating took effect Friday.
The National Forest Service rates fire danger on a six-point scale ranging from "low" to "critical."
A "very high" rating can trigger the closure of some forestland to the general public.
A "high" rating still prompts numerous restrictions on the use of campfires, fireworks and other activities in affected areas.
Forest Fire Chief James Hall says recent heavy rains, combined with forecasts for more precipitation in the weeks ahead, triggered the lower rating.
The National Weather Service predicts a chance of more rain on New Year's Eve.
(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
