Staff Report
Due to extremely dry vegetation and an increasing fire danger, “extreme fire danger” restrictions will be enforced in Los Padres National Forest through Dec. 31, forest officials have announced.
The restrictions include:
n Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited in all areas, including designated Campfire Use sites. Persons with a valid permit are allowed to use portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel only within the Designated Campfire Use Sites. Campfire permits are available for free download from http://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf.
n Recreational target shooting is prohibited in all areas of the National Forest unless specifically authorized by a special use permit.
n Hunting with a valid California hunting license during open hunting season is exempt from the target shooting prohibition.
n Smoking is prohibited in all areas except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated Campfire Use Site.
n Operating or using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device properly installed, maintained and in effective working order on roads and trails specifically designated for such use. (This restriction is in effect year-round.)
Violators may face a fine of $5,000 and/or six months in jail.
For more information on current conditions and safety tips, contact the nearest Forest Service office.
