Current Fire Restrictions and Related Prohibitions

The following acts are prohibited on the San Bernardino National Forest:

Forest Order No. 05-12-00-24-02 is effective Feb. 2, 2024 through Dec. 31, 2024.

1. Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or charcoal fire except in a Forest Service-provided campfire ring or standing grill within a Developed Recreation Site. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(a).
2. Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(d).
3. Operating an internal combustion engine off paved, gravel or dirt National Forest System roads and trails, except boats on a water surface. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(h).
4. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(i).

The following persons are exempt from this Order:

1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.
2. Persons with a special use authorization from the Forest Service specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited acts or omissions.
3. Any federal, state, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire- fighting force in the performance of an official duty.
4. 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, and has a shut-off valve.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. § 261, Subpart A. A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571 and 3581.

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.