Very High Fire Danger Remains In Angeles Forest

ARCADIA, CA — Though the rain doused our mountains, the fire danger has merely been downgraded from "extreme" to "very high" in the Angeles National Forest. This is still the third highest of the six fire danger levels.

"With over an inch of rain recorded across most of the forest, fire managers are secure in lowering the fire danger level to very high," Nathan Judy of the U.S. Forest Service said.

The change will once again allow forest visitors to use campfire and barbecues within designated campgrounds and picnic areas, where steel fire rings and stoves are provided, Judy said.

"While light precipitation is forecasted for the near future, we will continue to assess the fire danger in the coming months as Santa Ana wind events are anticipated for the remaining fall period," said Angeles Forest Fire Chief Robert Garcia.

Restrictions remaining in effect include prohibitions on:

• building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire outside of a developed recreation site;
• smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials;
• welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame; and
• discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun, except in the authorized public shooting ranges.

For a list of all fire restrictions visit the website www.fs.usda.gov/angeles.

Renee Schiavone, photo