Fire conditions for the Angeles National Forest, which borders Santa Clarita, have been raised from “very high” to “extreme,” officials said Thursday.

The Angeles National Forest borders Santa Clarita from the north and the southeast, and brush fires burning in the forest could potentially threaten the Santa Clarita Valley.  

“One reason for this change is to enhance public awareness of the threat wildfires pose to the health and safety of the forest and those who enjoy it,” said Angeles Forest Fire Chief Robert Garcia. “Another is the current and long-range weather predictions indicating above-normal temperatures, below-average relative humidity and precipitation, coupled with periods of strong, gusty Santa Ana winds.”

By restricting the use of fire throughout the forest and increasing staffing levels, the objective is to reduce the potential of a catastrophic wildfire being ignited, according to officials.

The following is a list of descriptions from U.S. Forest Service officials explaining the different levels of fire danger:  

Fire Danger Level: Low

When the fire danger is “low,” it means that fuels do not ignite easily from small embers, but a more intense heat source, such as lightning, may start fires in duff (the forest floor) or dry rotted wood. Fires in open, dry grasslands may burn easily a few hours after rain, but most wood fires will spread slowly, creeping or smoldering. Control of the fires is generally easy.

Fire Danger Level: Moderate

When the fire danger is “moderate” it means that fires can start from most accidental causes, but the number of fire starts is usually pretty low. If a fire does start in an open, dry grassland, it has the potential to burn and spread quickly on windy days. Most wood fires will spread slowly to moderately. Average fire intensity will be moderate, except in heavy concentrations of fuel, which may burn hot. Fires are still not likely to become serious and are often easy to control.

Fire Danger Level: High

When the fire danger is “high,” fires can start easily from most causes, and small fuels like grasses and needles will ignite readily. Unattended campfires and brush fires are likely to “escape.” Fires will spread easily, with some areas of high-intensity burning on slopes or concentrated fuels. Fires can become serious and difficult to control unless they are put out while they are still small.

Fire Danger Level: Very High

When the fire danger is “very high,” fires will start easily from most causes. The fires will spread rapidly and have a quick increase in intensity right after ignition. Small fires can quickly become large fires and exhibit extreme fire intensity, such as long-distance spotting and fire whirls.  These fires can be difficult to control and will often become much larger and longer-lasting fires.

Fire Danger Level: Extreme (*Where Angeles National Forest currently sits)

When the fire danger is “extreme,” fires of all types start quickly and burn intensely. All fires are potentially serious and can spread very quickly with intense burning. Small fires become big fires much faster than at the “very high” level. Spot fires are probable, with long-distance spotting likely. These fires are very difficult to fight, may become very dangerous and often last for several days.

Fire Danger Level: Critical

Entry into the Angeles National Forest is restricted to state and county highways. All Forest Service sites are closed during these times, except ranger stations, fire stations and the headquarters office. The Forest supervisor may designate areas or certain developed sites to be open.

All levels of fire danger have their own set of restrictions.

With extreme fire conditions placed on the forest, restrictions include:

• Building, attending or using a fire, campfire or stove fire throughout the national forest and national monument
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable materials
• Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame

For a list of all fire restrictions, click here.

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