With rising summer temperatures the fire danger level went from “high” to “very high” in the Angeles National Forest on the weekend following the Fourth of July holiday. The change in alert status comes as vegetation continues to dry out due to extreme summer heat.
Summer recreational activities that bring more than a million visitors a year to the Angeles National Forest are factored into the fire danger level because the majority of all wildfires in the forest are caused by humans.
Currently, open wood and charcoal fires will only be allowed in developed campgrounds and picnic areas where fire rings and grills are provided. Gas and propane-powered stoves and grills are permitted in backcountry areas with a valid California Campfire Permit, which is available free of charge at all U.S. Forest Service offices and most visitor centers and fire stations.
And just a reminder, all fireworks are prohibited on national forest lands.
Forest visitors are “urged to use common sense” and to maintain a higher level of awareness with the increased fire risk.