DANGER OF FOREST FIRES NOW HIGH.

Byline: CAROL ROCK Staff Writer

ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST -- U.S. Forest Service officials raised the fire danger level in the Angeles National Forest from moderate to high because of recent high temperatures and abundance of vegetation drying out in the heat.

That's three weeks earlier than last year for the fire-level hike.

``Even though we've had some late-season rains, the recent hot weather has dried out grass and chaparral and the thinner fuels, causing us to raise the level early this year,'' said Forest Service spokesman Stanton Florea.

``In 2005, the fire danger level wasn't raised to high until July 21.''

Heavy rains in late 2004 brought about an explosion of new growth, resulting in the high fire danger that exists now, Florea said.

In the Antelope and Santa Clarita valleys, Los Angeles County fire officials will station extra fire engine companies on Tuesday because of the risk of wildfires from fireworks.

One strike team consisting of five engines will be stationed in Santa Clarita and one in Lancaster, officials said. Water tank trucks and brush-fire patrol trucks will also be assigned to north Los Angeles County.

``This is due to the fact of the historical experience of high responses and activity in that area,'' Los Angeles County Fire Inspector Sam Padilla said.

Despite the fire-danger change, there are no new campfire restrictions in the forest, officials said.

Open wood and charcoal fires are permitted in developed campgrounds and picnic areas; gas and propane powered stoves and grills are permitted in nondeveloped areas with a valid camping permit.

Spark arrestors, which are required equipment on all off-highway vehicles, should be checked to make sure they are in good condition, forest officials added. Travelers are reminded to stay on designated roads and never park on dry brush or grass.

Because of the fire risk posed by illegal fireworks, some roads above Glendora and in the Chantry Flats may be restricted to walk-in traffic at times through the Independence Day, Forest officials said. Up-to-date conditions in the Angeles National Forest are available at the Web site, www.fs.fed.us/f5/angeles.

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