Fire Restrictions in Los Padres National Forest

Wildfire precautions will begin June 25, 2010

In response to the increasing potential for a wildland fire start, Los Padres National Forest officials announced today that Level 2 fire restrictions will be implemented throughout the forest beginning June 25, 2010. These restrictions will affect the use of campfires, stoves, smoking materials and internal combustion engines and will remain in effect until the end of fire season in late autumn.

Beginning June 25, 2010, the following restrictions will be in effect:

• No open fires, campfires or charcoal fires will be permitted outside of developed recreation sites or designated Campfire Use Sites (listed below). even with a valid California Campfire Permit. Lanterns and portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel will be permitted, but only with a valid California Campfire Permit (available free-of-charge at any Forest Service office). Forest visitors must clear all flammable material for five feet in all directions from their camp stove, have a shovel available, and ensure that a responsible person attends the stove at all times during use.

• Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated Campfire Use Site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.

• Internal combustion engines may be operated only on roads or designated trails. This restriction is in effect year-round. Please make sure your engine is tuned, operating properly, and has an approved spark arrestor.

Forest Supervisor Peggy Hernandez cited increasingly dry conditions in her decision to limit the usage of open flame fire in the forest. “We are asking visitors to be extra vigilant during the summer months when recreating in Los Padres National Forest,” Hernandez said. “The vegetation is quickly losing the moisture it received during the rainy season.”

For a list of Developed Recreation Sites and Campfire Use Sites in Los Padres National Forest, or further information regarding Fire-Safe Camping, visit the Los Padres National Forest website, or contact the following offices: