As a string of wildfires burned along its urban edges, the Angeles National Forest raised its fire danger level to extreme and issued an order prohibiting all campfires, stoves and shooting for six months.
The forest order issued on Saturday cites an abundance of dry brush and grasses, hotter-than-average temperatures and increased public use of the national forest. It bans campfires, stove fires, smoking, welding and shooting. There is an exception for shooting by licensed hunters in season and those on public shooting ranges.
The maximum penalty is a $5,000 fine and six months in jail. The order expires Feb. 1.
Four fires have started since Thursday in or near the Angeles National Forest:
- Dam. Started Thursday near Morris Reservoir, on San Gabriel Canyon Road above Azusa; 120 acres, 0% contained.
- Castaic. Started Saturday at Castaic Lake; 178 acres, 75% contained.
- Post. Started Sunday along Interstate 5 in Sun Valley, four miles from the forest’s Little Tujunga Canyon; 120 acres, 35% contained.
- Elsmere. Started Monday half a mile from the forest above Sylmar; 200 acres, 30% contained.
The cause of the fires is under investigation.
