Fire Danger Level Raised To 'Extreme' In Angeles National Forest, San Gabriel Mountains
ARCADIA (CBSLA) — The fire danger level is now "extreme" in the Angeles National Forest and the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, authorities said Wednesday.
That means campfires of any kind are banned there from now until next February.
The change comes just a month after the fire danger level was raised to "very high" a month early.
"Fuel moistures on the forest are very dry, this condition combined with high temperatures support rapid fire spread," Angeles Forest Fire Chief Robert Garcia said in a statement. "By restricting the use of fire throughout the forest, and increasing staffing levels, the objective is to reduce the potential of a catastrophic wildfire starting."
The new fire danger level ushers in more restrictions in the forest, including: using fire or stove fires throughout the national forest and national monument, smoking, welding or operating an acetylene or other torches, and discharging firearms, air rifles or gas guns, except in authorized public shooting ranges.
However, people with valid permits for the Forest Service or hunting with a valid California hunting license may still discharge firearms, according to their permit or license.
Violating the forest order is punishable by up to $5,000 to $10,000, and up to six months in jail.
