Fire Restrictions in Los Padres National Forest Enlarged

New Limitations on Open Flame Fires Imposed Today

Effective today, June 19, Los Padres National Forest officials will be imposing fire restrictions throughout the forest. According to Forest Supervisor Peggy Hernandez, the decision to limit the usage of open flame fire was made in light of the dry conditions and recent erratic fire behavior observed during the Jesusita Fire. These changes will expand restrictions on the use of campfires, stoves, smoking materials, and internal combustion engines, and will remain in effect until autumn rains arrive and the fire threat is lower. The actual end date will based on factors such as weather trends, other fires, and burning indexes.

Open fires, campfires, and charcoal fires will be prohibited outside developed recreation sites or designated campfire use sites, even with a valid California Campfire Permit. Holders of California Campfire Permits are allowed to use lanterns and portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel, but must ensure that all flammable materials are cleared five feet in all directions from their camp stove, that a shovel is available, and that a responsible person is attending to the stove at all times when it is in use. Smoking will not be allowed in the forest, with the exception of areas that are at least three feet in diameter and clear of flammable materials. Year-round, the operation of internal combustion engines is limited to roads and designated trails. For safety reasons, visitors should make sure their engines are tuned, are operating properly, and have approved spark arresters.

For more information on developed recreation sites and campfire use sites, members of the public can contact the Santa Barbara Ranger District at (805) 967-3481 or visit the Los Padres National Forest Web site. The following is a list of sites in Los Padres National Forest where campfires and barbeques are permitted.