News Release: Fire-Danger Level Elevated to Very High in the Mountains Surrounding LA
ARCADIA, Calif. – Angeles National Forest fire officials are raising the “Fire Danger Level” from “High” to “Very High” effective today, Friday, August 19, 2022. The amount of moisture in live shrubs and brush has decreased, grasses at lower elevations have become extremely dry, and fire activity has increased recently around the forest. Wildfire probability increases as temperatures rise and brush dries out. Despite the change, there are no new campfire restrictions.
Currently:
- Open wood and charcoal fires are still permitted in approved “developed” campgrounds and picnic areas where a steel ring or a stove is provided.
- Propane and jellied gas stoves, pressurized liquid gas stoves, and grills are permitted in non-developed areas, but only with a valid California Campfire Permit. Obtain a permit online 24/7 at Prevent Wild Fire | Campfire Permit (preventwildfiresca.org) or stop by a forest visitor center or office— https://www.fs.usda.
gov/detail/angeles/about- forest/offices). - Smoking is allowed in enclosed vehicles, in developed recreation sites only, or while stopped in areas with at least 3 feet in diameter of no vegetation or other flammable material.
- All fireworks are prohibited on national forest system lands. Possession or use of fireworks, even sparklers, is prohibited at all times in the Angeles National Forest under federal law. A violation of the law can result in a $5,000 fine and/or six months in jail.
- Forest visitors and those with recreational cabins in the forest should check spark arrestors (required year-round) on off-road vehicles, chain saws, and other equipment with internal-combustion engines to ensure everything is in working order.
- Drivers in the forest should stay on designated roads and never park on dry brush or grass to avoid the risk of starting a fire.
- NOTE: Anyone causing a wildfire is liable for all costs of suppressing the fire!
Human-caused wildfires account for 94% of all wildfires on the Angeles National Forest. Wildfires can threaten lives and property and can harm animals and plants.
Please “Know Before You Go” on a trip to the forest: http://www.fs.usda.
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LA County NOAA Weather Radios – Reserve yours today!
Los Angeles County is working to acquire a limited number of weather radios for distribution to residents. Weather radios distributed through this program are prioritized for residents living in high fire hazard areas where cellphones coverage is limited, and who are otherwise not able to obtain one for their own personal use. Weather radios available through the LA County distribution program will be branded with the LA County logo and remain the property of the County. Radios will be pre-programed to access LA County frequencies and non-weather emergency messages. Accessories that ensure alerts can be seen or felt by residents who require alternate alerting modes will also be distributed, as needed.
RSVP via link here, use QR CODE or email: “Maria Grycan” <Maria.Grycan@fire.lacounty.
