Camping in the forest this summer? You’ll face new restrictions on campfires, stoves, smoking and off-roading.
Los Padres National Forest officials raised the fire restrictions Tuesday, citing "the increasing potential for a wildland fire start."
The following are effective immediately:
Effective immediately, the following restrictions will be in effect:
- No open fires, campfires or charcoal fires outside of recreation sites or campfire use sites (even with valid California Campfire Permit)
- Lanterns and portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel permitted only with campfire permit
- Clear five feet around camp stoves; have a shovel ready and a responsible person watching the stove
- Smoke only inside a car, building, campfire use site, or area that is barren/cleared of all flammable material
- Vehicles may be operated only on roads or designated trails
Recreation sites and campfire use sites are listed here.
The stricter rules will remain in effect until the end of fire season in late autumn.
On Monday, forest officials sent out a reminder that using or even having any type of fireworks is prohibited. Rangers and officers will be patrolling the forest and enforcing the ban. Violations could cost you a $5,000 fine and/or six months in jail, plus firefighting costs should you spark a fire.
