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County Fire Thanks the Community

Forest Service Announces Additional Restrictions

Tuesday, July 15, 2008
By Ray Ford (Contact)

The Santa Barbara County Fire Department offered a heartfelt thanks to our community for their cooperation throughout the Gap Fire.

“During the hours and days of major impact, the immediate threats to person and property and the displacement caused by mass evacuations,” County Fire PIO Eli Iskow said, “your full attention and participation allowed your firefighters to accomplish their primary mission; that of saving lives, preserving personal property, and protecting our environment.”

Iskow added, “Your positive actions following the mandatory evacuations and leaving those areas when required to do so helped us to successfully accomplish that mission. We are also grateful for the countless acts of cooperation, understanding, goodwill, and generosity toward us.”

For more information regarding hazard reduction, defending your home, and other fire-safe practices go to the S.B. County Fire Hazard Reduction Page

ADDITIONAL RESTRICTIONS

In addition to a previous closure that restricts use of the front country trails west of Gibraltar Road and south of East Camino Cielo Road, Los Padres Forest officials announced a number of fire restrictions relating to use of the forest.

In response to increasing fire danger, Forest Service officials today announced that they will impose additional fire restrictions in Los Padres National Forest starting Friday, July 18. The following restrictions will remain in effect until the end of the high fire season:

Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited in all areas of Los Padres National Forest, including developed campgrounds and designated Campfire Use Sites.

Portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel will be allowed in all areas of Los Padres National Forest; however, a California Campfire Permit is required to use a stove outside of developed campgrounds and designated Campfire Use Sites. Campfire Permits are available free-of-charge at any Forest Service office.

In developed recreation sites, portable stoves and lanterns will be allowed as long as they are in cleared areas near tables and permanently installed stoves. In dispersed areas, clear all flammable material for a distance of five feet in all directions from the stove, have a shovel available, and ensure that a responsible person attends the stove at all times when it is in use.

Recreational target shooting is prohibited in all areas of Los Padres National Forest except the Winchester Gun Club in Santa Barbara County and the Ojai Valley Gun Club in Ventura County. Hunting with a valid State of California hunting license is exempt from this restriction.

Smoking is also prohibited in all areas of Los Padres National Forest except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated Campfire Use Site.

For further information regarding current conditions, emergency closures, permit requirements, and safety tips, contact your nearest Forest Service office or visit the Los Padres National Forest Web site.

LOCAL TRAIL CLOSURES

Forest officials are also looking at easing restrictions relating to use of the local trails. Currently the Jesusita Trail, all Mission Canyon trails, and Rattlesnake Canyon Trail are closed to use because of the Gap Fire. These restrictions could be lifted as early as this weekend with only forest lands west of Highway 154 closed to public access.

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