The Los Padres National Forest will take extra precautions during a heightened fire threat by prohibiting all campfires this week.
Forest officials say beginning Wednesday or Thursday, all campfires, even in campgrounds, will be prohibited, as well as cooking on gas stoves, except for those who have a valid California Campfire Permit in designated campgrounds.
Los Padres National Forest says these restrictions are due to extreme fire threats.
A battalion chief will be at the Santa Lucia Ranger District office in Santa Maria to make the announcement specifying when this will go into effect.
Forest officials began 24-hour staffing Monday after a Red Flag Warning was issued in Santa Barbara County.
