Staff Report
In response to the increasing potential for wildland fires, Los Padres National Forest officials have increased fire restrictions throughout the forest for the summer.
These restrictions 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.
The following restrictions are now in effect:
- No open fires, campfires or charcoal fires will be permitted outside of developed recreation sites or designated campfire use sites, 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, which are available free-of-charge on the forest website and at any U.S. 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 a 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. Owners are reminded to make sure their engines are tuned, operating properly, and with an approved spark arrester.
- Fireworks – even the “safe and sane” variety – are not permitted at any time within the forest.
For a list of developed recreation sites and campfire use sites in Los Padres National Forest, or for more information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf or contact the U.S. Forest Service district office nearest you.
The Los Padres National Forest Supervisor’s Office is at 6750 Navigator Way, Suite 150, in Goleta, and the Santa Barbara Ranger District is at 3505 Paradise Road.
