General Fire Restrictions

GENERAL

General Fire Restrictions are always in effect on the Cleveland National Forest.

Check before you go for updated information.

Fire Restrictions- Frequently Asked Questions

1. Fireworks are never allowed on the Cleveland National Forest.

2. Spark arresters are required for all off-highway vehicles, chainsaws, and other internal combustion equipment.

3. Welding, grinding, cutting and the use of explosives are allowed only with proper authorization issued by Forest officials.

4. Wood or charcoal fires are allowed only in developed campgrounds and developed picnics areas within designated fire rings.

5. The use of gas and liquid stoves and lanterns, and jelly petroleum stoves are allowed in all areas of the Cleveland National Forest.

6. Discharge of firearms is currently prohibited on the Forest except for the purpose of hunting during the designated hunting season as established by the California Department of Fish and Game.  Target shooting is not allowed on the Forest.

7. Discharging a firearm using the following ammunition is never allowed on the Cleveland National Forest, this includes hunting seasons: steel core ammunition, armor piercing ammunition, and tracer ammunition.

8. Smoking is allowed within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or within an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 

• District offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
• For the Cleveland National Forest Supervisor’s Office, call 858-673-6180.
• For the Alpine, Descanso and Laguna Mountain areas, contact the Descanso Ranger District at 619-445-6235.
• For Palomar Mountain, Henshaw, Ramona and the Oak Grove areas, contact the Palomar Ranger District at 760-788-0250.
• For the Ortega Highway, San Mateo and Corona areas, contact the Trabuco Ranger District at 951-736-1811.