Los Padres National Forest officials are implementing "Extreme Fire Danger" fire restrictions because of "extremely dry vegetation and an increasing fire danger."
The following restrictions go into effect immediately and will remain in effect through Dec. 31, 2019:
- Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited in all areas of Los Padres National Forest, including designated Campfire Use sites. Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are allowed to use portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel only within the Designated Campfire Use Sites listed here. California Campfire Permits are available for free download from the Los Padres National Forest website.
- Recreational target shooting is prohibited in all areas of the forest unless specifically authorized by a special use permit.
- Hunting with a valid State of California hunting license during open hunting season is exempt from the target shooting prohibition.
- Smoking is prohibited in all areas of Los Padres National Forest except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated Campfire Use Site.
- 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.
Violators could be fined $5,000 and/or face six months in jail.
