“Soboba has provided me with the opportunity to build a solid fire career foundation. Working my way up the command chain to captain over the last 10 years there, has definitely given me the skill set to be able to lateral into such a demanding position,” Briones said.

CalFire captains’ main duties are to supervise crews and/or engines companies and share in the management of stations, fire apparatus and equipment. There are also captain specialty assignments like peace officer, dispatch, air attack, helitack, instructor and supervising conservation camp crews. Briones accepted a position at Fenner Canyon Conservation Camp #41.

“Deciding to make the move to CalFire did not come easy; I honestly felt like I would be with Soboba for the rest of my professional career,” Briones said. “Promoting to Captain, I realized that there was plenty more to accomplish if I wanted to advance in my profession any further. CalFire’s footprint and vast resources seemed like the perfect move; it has opened many more doors for career development and advancement.”

According to San Bernardino CalFire Public Information Officer Chloe Castillo, Fenner Canyon Conservation Camp #41 is jointly operated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE). The camp’s primary mission is to provide incarcerated fire crews for assignments in Los Angeles, Kern and San Bernardino counties, however, crews can be dispatched throughout the state. Fenner Canyon Conservation Camp is located in the city of Valerymo in Los Angeles County.

The primary mission of the Conservation (Fire) Camp Program is to support state, local and federal government agencies as they respond to emergencies including fires, floods, and other natural disasters. Additionally, hand crews respond to rescue efforts in local parks or flood suppression. All camps are minimum-security facilities and staffed with correctional and fire staff.

Briones still resides at the Soboba Indian Reservation with his wife, Faith. They have four children who are all pursuing their personal goals. In the past, Briones has served on the Soboba Tribal Council and the Soboba Foundation board. In his spare time, he can be found at the gym, working on his personal health and fitness goals.

To learn more about Fenner Canyon Conservation Camp #41, please visit www.cdcr.ca.gov/facility-locator/conservation-camps/fenner-canyon.

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RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The Board of Supervisors is expected to authorize Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department Chief Bill Weiser to close access to multiple outdoor recreational locations for the duration of the Southern California Wildfire Season to minimize public safety risks.

The closure was slated to begin Tuesday through the fire season.

Cal Fire regularly closes designated grounds in the central and southwest portions of the county — typically from June to November.

The 2024 closures would take effect on June 1, according to preliminary statements by Cal Fire officials.

“Due to the potential for large damaging human-caused fires, the county fire chief has determined these areas should be closed, except on public roadways and on inhabited areas of private property within the closure areas,” the statement said. “The potential for large damaging fires … this year may be enhanced by the extreme vegetation growth experienced throughout Riverside County.”

Since the rainy season, wildflower overgrowth and blooms have covered previously open trails, especially in the western half of the county.

According to Cal Fire, wildfires in any of the proposed closure locations would be “difficult to manage, given their terrain and remoteness, “officials said.

The following sites would fall under the county’s closure order:

• Bautista Canyon, southeast of Hemet;
• Eagle Canyon, between Lake Mathews and the county landfill, just north of Cajalco Road;
• Indian Canyon and North Mountain, around San Jacinto;
• the Ramona Bowl, south of Hemet;
• Steel Peek, northwest of Meadowbrook, due west of Good Hope and south of Gavilan Hills; and
• Whitewater Canyon, near Cabazon.

The Ramona Bowl would remain accessible between sunrise and noon daily, with the area off limits any other time of day, according to officials.

Still, by reducing foot and off-road vehicle traffic in each location, the chances of a wildfire starting are much slimmer, according to the fire department.

Hikers will be able to see easily marked closure signs at trail entry points to warn potential violators of fines and other penalties.

First offenses usually result in a minimum $100 ticket.

Residents who live in the area of a closure would be permitted to come and go as they please.

The closures are usually lifted at year’s end but can be rescinded before then by the chief, depending on the timing of winter rains.

The post 6 RivCo Hiking Trail Closures Expected, $100 Fine During Fire Season appeared first on The Hemet & San Jacinto Chronicle.