Fire restrictions elevated at Los Padres National Forest

Fire officials are strengthening fire restrictions at Los Padres National Forest due to extremely dry vegetation and increasing fire danger.

As of Tuesday, Aug. 26, Level IV fire restrictions are in effect.

The restrictions include:

Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited in all areas of Los Padres National Forest including designated dampfire hse sites; however persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are allowed to use portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel within the designated campfire sites only.
You must clear all flammable material for a distance of five feet in all directions from your camp 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 the National Forest unless specifically authorized by a special use permit with the Forest; however, hunting with a valid State of California hunting license during open hunting season is exempt from this restriction.
Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the national forest except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated campfire use Site.
Fireworks are prohibited at all times and in all locations within Los Padres National Forest.
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 are subject to a $5,000 fine and/or six months in jail, and could be liable for the full cost of any fire suppression activities that result from their actions.

Fore more information, visit the Los Padres National Forest website. California campfire permits can be downloaded for free from the site.

California Campfire Permits are available for free download from the Los Padres National Forest website.