Sylmar Hang Gliding Association

The Forest Supervisor of the Angeles National Forest has raised the fire danger index from "moderate" to "high." Here's their press release.




NEWS RELEASE
USDA Forest Service
Angeles National Forest
Date: May 12, 2009 701 N. Santa Anita Avenue
ANF-14-09 Arcadia, CA 91006
www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Stanton Florea
626-574-5208


Fire Danger Level Being Raised on the Angeles National Forest

Arcadia, Calif. – The Fire Danger Level on the Angeles National Forest is being raised from “Moderate� to “High,� effective May 17, 2009, as warm temperatures continue to dry out vegetation and the forest prepares for an increase in visitation.

Despite the change, there are no new campfire restrictions. Open wood and charcoal fires will still be permitted in developed campgrounds and picnic areas only. Gas and propane powered stoves and grills are permitted in non-developed areas with a valid California Campfire Permit.

Spark arrestors (required year-round) should be checked to make sure they are in good working order on all off-road vehicles, chain saws and other equipment with internal combustion
engines. Travelers driving through the Forest should remain on designated roads and never park on dry brush or grass.


(MORE)
The “High� fire danger level is the third in a six-level, graduated fire danger rating system. A variety of factors determine the level, including the moisture in vegetation, weather conditions and firefighting equipment needs due to regional and national fire activity.

“Know Before You Go� to the Angeles National Forest by finding out about conditions and other restrictions prior to leaving for your destination. For more information, contact your local Forest Service office or visitor center:

Forest Supervisor’s Office – Arcadia, (M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 626-574-1613
Los Angeles River Ranger District (M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 818-899-1900
Clear Creek Information Station (Sat & Sun 8:00 am-4:30 pm) 626-821-6764
San Gabriel River Ranger District (M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 626-335-1251
San Gabriel Canyon Gateway Center (F-Sun & holidays 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 626-969-1012
Mount Baldy Visitor Center (Daily 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 909-982-2829
Santa Clara-Mojave Rivers Ranger District (M-F 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 661-296-9710
Big Pines Information Station (F-Sun. 8:00 am to 4:30 pm) 760-249-3504
Grassy Hollow Visitor Center (F-Sun 10:00 am to 4:00 pm)

I hope that I'm wrong, but it looks to me like we are going to have a very rough fire year. The good news (sort of) is that lots of stuff near Kagel already burned last year, so it isn't as bad right where we are.

Please be careful.

And I hope you all get great flights. My flying has been minimal lately, and I hope someone is doing some!