Fire Danger Raised to ‘Very High’ in Angeles National Forest Above Altadena and Pasadena

The U.S. Forest Service has raised the fire danger level to “Very High” across the Angeles National Forest and the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument — the federal lands that rise directly above Altadena, Pasadena, and neighboring foothill communities — effective July 24 and continuing through Dec. 31, according to a Forest Service alert.

The Angeles National Forest Supervisor’s Office announced the change under Forest Order No. 05-01-26-12. Officials cited rising temperatures and drying vegetation that increase the probability of wildfire, the alert said.

“Very High” is one of six levels on the Forest Service’s fire danger scale, which runs Low, Moderate, High, Very High, Extreme and Critical. The forest had already been elevated to “High” on June 12 under a separate order.

The Forest Service said the escalation does not add new campfire restrictions beyond those already in effect at the “High” level. Open wood and charcoal fires remain permitted in developed campgrounds and picnic areas that have agency-provided fire rings or stoves. Propane and jellied-gas stoves and grills are permitted in non-developed areas with a valid California Campfire Permit. All stoves and campfires require a valid California Campfire Permit, available at https://permit.preventwildfiresca.org.

The signed order does formalize specific prohibited acts under federal law. Issued under 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a), it prohibits building or using a wood or charcoal fire outside a developed recreation site; smoking outside an enclosed vehicle, building, developed recreation site or a cleared area three feet in diameter; and discharging a firearm, air rifle or gas gun outside authorized public shooting ranges.

Violations carry fines of up to $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, imprisonment of up to six months, or both, under 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571 and 3581.

Exemptions apply to federal, state and local officers on duty and to organized rescue and firefighting personnel; to holders of Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48; and to licensed hunters during open season. Holders of a California Campfire Permit are not exempt from the listed prohibitions, according to the order.

Heat wave and air quality

The elevation came during an active Southern California heat wave. Forecasters at the National Weather Service were tracking a second, more intense heat episode on July 22 and 23, with widespread triple-digit temperatures forecast across the region and wildfire risk described as especially high in the mountains and foothills.

A weather service heat advisory covers the Santa Clarita Valley, San Fernando Valley, San Gabriel Valley, Santa Susana Mountains, the Interstate 5 corridor and the eastern and western San Gabriel Mountains, with forecast highs of 97 to 107 degrees. An extreme heat watch and warning cover the Antelope Valley, where highs of 100 to 108 degrees are forecast.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued an ozone advisory for parts of Los Angeles County effective 10 a.m. Thursday, July 23, through 8 p.m. Monday, warning of unhealthy air quality for sensitive groups in the San Fernando and San Gabriel valleys.

In June, the Los Angeles Times reported that coastal Southern California was expected to face a typical wildfire season from July through September, while cautioning that even typical conditions remain dangerous. Officials at a Southern California fire-preparedness meeting urged home-hardening measures.

Who is affected by the new order

The designation applies forest-wide and affects recreational visitors, cabin owners and forest concessioners across the Angeles National Forest and the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, an area bordering Pasadena, Altadena, Sierra Madre, Arcadia, Glendora and Santa Clarita.

The Angeles National Forest Supervisor’s Office can be reached at (626) 574-1613.

The order remains in effect through Dec. 31.