Fire officials are lowering the Fire Danger Level from “Extreme” to “Very High” in the Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, in a press release Wednesday.

The recent rainfall has provided some relief to the dryness of the vegetation and has mitigated the immediate fire threat. “Fire conditions have improved in the Southern California geographic area. No large active fires are burning, and resource availability remains at or above normal for this time of year. Initial attack resources remain plenty and readily available” said Angeles National Forest fire chief Robert Garcia.

Historic patterns show the most severe wildfire losses occur during the months of October through December, however, fire activity occurs throughout the year. The proximity of the forest to large population centers and continuing development within the wildland-urban interface create situations where the potential for catastrophic property damage and loss of life is still a concern for forest officials.

Moving the Fire Danger Level to Very High will allow campfires and stoves in developed recreation sites.

Restrictions include:

-Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire outside of a developed recreation site.

-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 material.

-Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.

-Discharging a firearm, air rifle, or gas gun, except within the authorized public shooting ranges listed in Exhibit A, attached to the Forest Order No. 05-01-21-06