Local & Community
Fire Crews Added to Forest Reserves Ahead of Red Flag Weekend
IDYLLWILD (CNS) – The number of federal firefighters assigned for deployments in the San Bernardino National Forest was increased Friday, ahead of the blazing hot Labor Day weekend, during which fire danger will be elevated because of winds and extremely low humidity.
“Extra personnel, including an engine strike team and a hot shot crew, will be pre-positioned for initial attack for any fires,” according to a U.S. Forest Service statement.
Crews are now on 24-hour standby throughout the 676,666-acre preserve in anticipation of wildfires.
The National Weather Service Friday issued a Red Flag Warning for the inland region that begins at 10 a.m. Saturday and ends 6 p.m. Sunday. According to meteorologists, fire risks are intense because of forecast 30 to 40 mph offshore winds and humidity levels at or below 10%, combined with potentially record-breaking triple digit heat, during the holiday weekend.
The San Gorgonio Pass was identified as particularly vulnerable to wildfires.
#WildfireMinute heading into Labor Day weekend we are #ReadyforWildfire in California; 8 engines, 2 hand crews, 4 MAFFS units and 3 Incident Management Teams are pre-positioned to respond to new fires. Please #BeOutdoorSafe and be careful with anything that can cause a spark. pic.twitter.com/2Qf9kQ07fZ
— USFS Fire-California (@R5_Fire_News) September 3, 2020
“We are expecting large crowds escaping the heat in the forest this holiday weekend,” Acting San Bernardino National Forest Deputy Fire Chief Scott Howes said. “It is extremely important visitors abide by fire restrictions to avoid starting a large fire that could prompt evacuations and endanger firefighters during the heat wave.”
The number of illegal campfires identified by forest rangers since January are nearly triple the number from the same period in 2019, according to the USFS.
Campfires, including barbecue pits, are permitted in a few large developed camping sites, but none are authorized in dispersed locations, rangers said.
Gas-powered devices, such as stoves and lanterns, can be operated with a free California Campfire Permit, but they must have fuel shut-off valves, and they must be used in places clear of debris and vegetation.
No target shooting is currently allowed in the forest, except in three privately managed designated locations, nor is off-roading activity permitted, and all smoking must be within designated spaces on developed grounds, rangers said.
By: NBC Palm Springs
September 3, 2020
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will 1) Devin Session with the diving TD, 2) Mason Flores with the dot on the run, 3) Reese Johnson with the clutch FG, 4) Kaylaun Smith running over defenders, or 5) Joshua Perez with the TD throw. #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
🏒🔥 LET’S HEAR FROM TIM O’BRIEN! We’re kicking off Coachella Valley Firebirds Opening Night and catching up with Tim O’Brien! Hear what he has to say as the Firebirds get ready to hit the ice for another exciting season. 🏒🔥 #CoachellaValleyFirebirds #Firebirds #OpeningNight #Hockey #CoachellaValley PalmSprings CVFirebirds
SHARE this reel to help find ‘The Fab 5’ a home! 🐶🤍 #therogginreport #palmsprings #dogrescue #coachellavalley #nbcpalmsprings
🎀 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Take a moment to know the warning signs, schedule your mammogram, and talk with your doctor about the screening schedule that’s right for you. Early detection can make a difference. 💗 #BreastCancerAwareness #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #Mammogram #EarlyDetection #BreastHealth CoachellaValley DAPHealth
🎬 FREE MOVIE TICKETS! 🍿❤️ Our Manny the Movie Guy is here with a chance to see the upcoming screening of “Love of Your Life” — FREE! 📅 This Tuesday 📍 Mary Pickford Theatre — Cathedral City Want to see the movie before everyone else? Manny has the tickets! 🎟️ Watch for details on how you can enter and score your FREE tickets! #MannyTheMovieGuy #LoveOfYourLife #FreeTickets #MovieScreening #CathedralCity CoachellaValley MaryPickford NBCPalmSprings
🚨 SB 1379 is officially law, separating the Riverside County Sheriffs department and the coroners offices effective July 2027. @maria_nvtv spoke with Sheriff Chad Bianco and a local mom, and both spoke on what this means to them. Be sure to go to nbcpalmsprings.com to see the full report #SB1379 #RiversideCounty #CaliforniaPolitics #ChadBianco #incustodydeaths
It’s time for Season 5!! Fuego stopped by the studio today with a message! Coachella Valley Firebirds season opener this Friday, October 2 at 7 p.m. — tickets at CVFIREBIRDS.COM
Guess we are not the only ones asking about money in the Desert Recreation District! #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
8 years lated and $30 MILLION higher … Should the state order an independent audit? Drop a 💬 if you want answers! #cvusd #coachellavalley #audit #therogginreport #nbcpalmsprings
Data centers on pause. ✋ Palm Springs City Council unanimously extended it’s moratorium through August 25, 2028, giving the city time to set zoning rules. What do you think of the decision? 🌴