Fire threat closes target shooting area until fall

Orosco Ridge Recreational Target Shooting Area and other areas on the district will be temporarily closed to target shooting through Nov. 6.

Joan Friedlander, district ranger for the Palomar Ranger District, said last week that Orosco Ridge will be closed due to high fire danger conditions.

“We recognize this is a substantial impact to one of the most popular outdoor target shooting areas in southern California,” said Friedlander. “However, target shooting has resulted in fires in the past and we will not subject the surrounding community and these lands to risk during these dry conditions.”

In the past few weeks, two fires that are currently under investigation started on Orosco Ridge. The rationale for closing this area is that in past years fires in Orosco Ridge have been caused by shooting under certain conditions.

The combination of dry vegetation and hot conditions pose a potential wildfire threat to the forest and adjacent lands and property. The closure is expected to remain in effect until there is a substantial and sustained change in climate and fuel moisture conditions. Ranger Friedlander reports

The area will continue to be open to other recreational activities, Friedlander said, cautioning that, “Tickets and fines for violations of this shooting closure will be enforced through an increase in law enforcement presence and patrol. Because fire places people, property and forest resources at risk, I am asking for citizens to help us enforce this closure by reporting illegal activitiy by calling the Cleveland National Forest Dispatch which is open every day 24 hours (619-557-5262). Dial 911 for immediate law enforcement assistance, especially in cases of life threatening or medical emergencies.”

The Orosco Ridge Recreational Target Shooting Area, located on the Palomar Ranger District in the Cleveland National Forest, encompasses approximately 500 acres along Orosco Ridge Road (FS Road 12S03) in Pamo Valley.