Arrest Warrants Issued for 25 Fire Law Scofflaws

Angry at 25 people who failed to appear in court for fire-related citations handed out in the Angeles National Forest, a federal magistrate in Los Angeles has issued arrest warrants for offenses that would normally only carry fines of up to $75.

Although it is not unusual for such nonappearances, U.S. Magistrate Volney V. Brown Jr. said Wednesday that he ordered the arrests because the violations threatened wildlife and foliage in the San Gabriel Mountains.

A “Stage 2” fire alert, in which high temperatures and dry brush can easily fuel a devastating blaze, currently exists in the Angeles National Forest and rangers have ordered restrictions on camp fires and off-road vehicles to reduce the potential danger, a U.S. Forest Service spokesman said.

“You can’t send out U.S. marshals . . . in every case,” Brown said.”(But) . . . those who refuse to obey federal safety laws face arrest.”

The warrants, issued Tuesday, were for violations cited by rangers last month. They included maintaining open camp fires in a restricted area, operating vehicles without spark arresters and illegally possessing fireworks, Brown said.