Post by ARTICLE on Jul 29, 2004 7:59:06 GMT -8
ARCADIA -- After the three recent wildfires in northern Los Angeles County - which together charred more than 30,000 acres - forest officials Wednesday announced new restrictions aimed at reducing the fire risk.
Angeles National Forest supervisor Jody Noiron said the fires had cost taxpayers nearly $25 million.
Noiron warned that closing the forest was an option "we may need to consider' if conditions worsen.
Most of the restrictions are on outdoor use of the forest. They include:
- No smoking, except in an enclosed vehicle or building;
- No wood or charcoal fire of any kind in the forest;
- No open flames of any kind;
- No fireworks;
- No camp stoves fueled by compressed gas or jellied petroleum or lanterns outdoors are permitted except in designated areas of the San Gabriel River Ranger District with a permit.
Among the areas where camp stoves can be used with a permit are Manker Campground; Coldbrook Campground; Oaks Picnic Area; West Fork Day Use Area; Glenn Campground; and portions of San Gabriel Canyon and San Antonio Canyon.
Spark arresters are required all year on off- road motorcycles or vehicles and on chain saws and other equipment with internal combustion engines.
For more information, call (626) 574-5200.