Fire restrictions lowered in Los Padres National Forest

Citing recent rainfall, U.S. Forest officials reduced fire restrictions in the Los Padres National Forest on Tuesday. Fire restrictions were lowered from Level IV to Level II, effective immediately.

Under Level II fire restrictions, campfires and charcoal barbeques are permitted in all developed campgrounds (also known as Designated Campfire Use Sites) within Los Padres National Forest.

Fires of any kind outside of Designated Campfire Use Sites are prohibited under Level II fire restrictions.

A list of Designated Campfire Use Sites is available at all Los Padres offices and online. Click here to view.

Under Level II fire restrictions, a California Campfire Permit is required to use portable lanterns or stoves using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel outside of developed campgrounds. California Campfire Permits are available at any Forest Service or Cal Fire office, and can be downloaded for free from the Los Padres National Forest website. Click here.

Prohibitions on recreational target shooting in Los Padres were also lifted.

Smoking is permitted only in cleared areas with a three-foot radius, and no permit burning is allowed.

The following fire restrictions will remain in effect:

· Spark arresters are required on all off-highway vehicles, chainsaws, and other internal combustion engines and equipment

· A permit is required for all welding, grinding, cutting, or use of explosives within the forest

· Tracer ammunition is prohibited at all times

· Fireworks are prohibited in Los Padres National Forest at all times and in all places

Visitors are encouraged to call the local Ranger Station for more information on conditions and restrictions.

Monterey Ranger District – (831) 385-5434

Santa Barbara Ranger District – (805) 967-3481

Ojai Ranger District – (805) 646-4348

Mt. Pinos Ranger District – (661) 245-3731

Santa Lucia Ranger District – (805) 925-9538