Elevated Fire Restrictions In Effect For Cleveland Nat'l Forest

CORONA, CA — Elevated fire restrictions went into effect Monday for the Cleveland National Forest, which encompasses more than 460,000 acres in the counties of San Diego, Riverside and Orange.

Restrictions are put into effect when fire danger levels increase due to weather, seasonal temperatures and other risk indexes, including high winds or lightning.

A handful of activities are restricted within forest boundaries until further notice, including:

• using gas and liquid stoves and lanterns
• smoking within forest
• using firearms
• welding, grinding, cutting or using explosives, as well as other activities requiring a special use authorization

Additionally, year-round restrictions continue on fireworks and the use of wood or charcoal fires outside developed campgrounds in the southernmost national forest in California, which is divided into the Descanso, Palomar and Trabuco Ranger Districts.

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

— By City News Service / Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone