Cal Fire Lifts Burn Restrictions Across IE, RivCo: What To Know

INLAND EMPIRE, CA — Following a series of storms across the Inland Empire, Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department Chief Robert Fish Monday rescinded prohibitions on recreational use of popular hiking spots where wildfire hazards exist and conditionally lifted bans on outdoor burning of rubbish and other waste.

"Improved weather conditions allow us to resume permitted burning and reopen our `Hazardous Hiking Areas,' Fish said Monday. "However, wildfire remains a year-round threat, and we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and practice fire safety."

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Storms in October soaked most of the inland region, replacing the bone- dry vegetation pervasive over the summer with lush green growth.

The suspension on outdoor burning was removed as of Monday morning. Property owners under the county's jurisdiction who obtain burn permits from the fire department will now be able to resume burning on designated days, when there are no air quality alerts, officials said.

Residents of municipalities with their own fire agencies will have to procure permits in those locations.

The restrictions on trekking or biking in the "hazardous hiking areas" under county fire's authority likely won't be re-implemented until late next spring.

In early May, the fire department obtained the Board of Supervisors' approval to close the locations to general use -- with only residents allowed to enter or leave -- a common practice since 2007.

They are:

-- Bautista Canyon, southeast of Hemet;

-- Eagle Canyon, between Lake Mathews and the county landfill, just north of Cajalco Road;

-- Indian Canyon and North Mountain, around San Jacinto;

-- the Ramona Bowl, south of Hemet; and

-- Steel Peek, northwest of Meadowbrook, due west of Good Hope and south of Gavilan Hills.

Because of the remoteness of each spot, any wildfire that starts can be difficult to reach. But the threats almost always diminish in November.

When access is closed, violators caught traversing the areas can be subject to fines.