In response to the unusually hot dry weather and high winds, the San Bernardino National Forest has bolstered its fire response readiness with additional firefighters, aircraft and extended patrols.
Weather forecasters are calling for hot and dry weather, combined with Santa Ana winds to continue to Friday. In response, the San Bernardino National Forest has extended staffing and brought in additional fire apparatus and aircraft. The firefighters are coming from as far away as Idaho, Arizona and New Mexico to supplement local forest firefighting resources.
“We have ramped up our resources and staffing to be best prepared for this early hot and dry weather,” said Forest Fire Chief Shawna Legarza. “As always, we also ask the public to remain vigilant in fire prevention by being careful and reporting suspicious activities immediately. We are working closely with CalFire in Riverside and in San Bernardino as well as other local fire departments to assure a rapid response to wildland fires in the Inland Empire,” Legarza added.
Forest visitors are reminded to exercise caution on the National Forest as the summer season approaches and fire danger increases. Fire restrictions and forest regulations are strictly enforced. Forest visitors are encouraged to “Know Before You Go” and call ahead to the local Ranger Station to check on location conditions and restrictions.
For information on the San Bernardino National Forest visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/sbnf or call the Big Bear Ranger Station and Discovery Center at (909) 382-2790; the Idyllwild Ranger Station at (909) 382-2922; the Lytle Creek Ranger Station at (909) 382-2851; the Mill Creek Ranger Station at (909) 382-2882 or the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument at (760) 862-9984.
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