On June 1, Idyllwild Fire Chief Mark LaMont imposed restrictions on open fires with the Idyllwild Fire Protection District.
“Open burning, use of campfires, fire permits and other uses of open fire of any kind within the geographic jurisdiction of the Idyllwild Fire Protection District are hereby suspended as of the date of this notice.”
The campfire restriction even applies to visitors and campers at the Idyllwild County Park and Mt. San Jacinto State Park campgrounds within Idyllwild.
A grill is fine to use but requires a permit from the Idyllwild Fire Station. “This permit is free of charge and is an educational opportunity,” wrote LaMont. “Grilling on the 4th is not only acceptable but is encouraged and is an Independence Day tradition. A BBQ as described in our BBQ permit is not considered an ‘open fire’.”
In the fire restriction notice, LaMont noted that the abundant rainfall this winter and spring will result in a plentiful crop of grass, which when it dies and dries, is quite flammable and could contribute to wildfire.
Any questions can be emailed at the district’s website, www.idyllwildfire.com, or called in to 951-659-2153.
