San Gabriel Mountains Discussion Forum

Hikin_Jim · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 11:54 am Post subject: ANF Fire Danger Level Raised

Date: July 9, 2009
701 N. Santa Anita Avenue
ANF-18-09
Arcadia, CA 91006
www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles
www.smokeybear.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Stanton Florea
626-574-5208

Fire Danger Level Being Raised on the Angeles National Forest

Arcadia, Calif. – The Fire Danger Level on the Angeles National Forest is being raised from “High” to “Very High,” effective this Sunday, July 12, 2009. The change comes as summer temperatures continue to dry out vegetation and the region has seen a marked increase in fire activity. Grasses growing below 4,500 feet elevation have cured and are especially prone to fire.

Since the level was raised to “High” on May 17, firefighters from the Angeles National Forest have responded to seventy-nine (79) wildfires in and around the Forest. The two largest fires of the year have occurred in the last nine days.

In addition to climatic and vegetative conditions, summer recreational activities which bring over a million visitors to the Forest are factored into the fire danger level. Ninety-one (91) percent of all wildfires on the Angeles National Forest are human-caused.

Forest visitors are urged to use common sense when visiting the San Gabriel Mountains and maintain a higher level of awareness with the increased fire risk. Travelers through the Forest should remain on designated roads and never park on dry brush or grass. All fireworks are prohibited on national forest lands.

Open wood and charcoal fires will only be permitted in developed campgrounds and picnic areas where fire rings and grills are provided. Gas and propane powered stoves and grills are permitted in backcountry areas with a valid California Campfire Permit. Campfire permits are available free of charge at all U.S. Forest Service offices and most visitor centers and fire stations.

Spark arrestors (required year-round) should be checked to make sure they are in good working order on all off-road vehicles, chain saws and other equipment with internal combustion engines.

The “Very High” Fire Danger Level is the fourth in a six-level, graduated fire danger rating system. A variety of factors determine the level, including the moisture in vegetation, weather conditions and firefighting equipment needs due to regional and national fire activity.

“Know Before You Go” to the Angeles National Forest. Find out about local conditions at your destination prior to leaving by contacting one of the following offices:

Forest Supervisor’s Office – Arcadia, (M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 626-574-1613
Los Angeles River Ranger District (M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 818-899-1900
Chilao Visitor Center (F-M 8:00 am-4:30pm) 626-796-5541
Clear Creek Information Station (F- M 8:00 am-4:30 pm) 626-821-6764
San Gabriel River Ranger District (M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 626-335-1251
San Gabriel Canyon Gateway Center (Daily 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 626-969-1012
Mount Baldy Visitor Center (Daily 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 909-982-2829
Santa Clara-Mojave Rivers Ranger District (M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 661-296-9710
Big Pines Information Station (F-Sun. 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 760-249-3504
Grassy Hollow Visitor Center (F-Sun 10:00 am to 4:00 pm)
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Hiking? Aw, gee, do I have to?

simonov · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 12:57 pm Post subject: Re: ANF Fire Danger Level Raised

Hikin_Jim · Posted: Mon Jul 13, 2009 1:14 pm Post subject: Re: ANF Fire Danger Level Raised

Kit Fox · Joined: 25 Dec 2007 Posts: 141

I drove by Big Rock Creek Sunday evening and saw two families where they had BBQs strategically placed underneath low hanging trees. I guess shade was more important than burning down the entire forest. Rolling Eyes

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"The Mountains are the means, the man is the end; the idea is to improve the man, not to reach the top of the mountain."

Walter Bonatti