Los Padres National Forest reduces fire restrictions after rain

GOLETA, Calif. - Los Padres National Forest received moderate amounts of rain and snow recently which allowed them to reduce fire restrictions across the park.

The National Forest said the precipitation has provided sufficient moisture to the forest which has decreased fire risk.

The reduced fire restrictions, effective immediately, now allow visitors to light campfires and use charcoal barbecues in all areas of the forest.

“As we move into the rainy season and reduce fire restrictions, it’s important to remember that fire can happen at any time of the year,” said Los Padres National Forest Fire Chief Jim Harris. “I strongly encourage all visitors to exercise caution while they are out enjoying the forest.”

Forest Officials said that a California Campfire Permit is required to build a campfire outside of designated Campfire Use Sites. California Campfire Permits can be downloaded for free from the Los Padres Forest website.

A list of Campfire Use Sites is also available at all Forest offices.

If a visitor does wish to build a campfire, they must clear all flammable material such as sticks or brush from at least five feet in all direction from the fire.

Shovels are recommended for constructing and extinguishing campfires and at least one responsible person should attend to the fire at all times.

The Forest recommends fires be extinguished with water using the "drown, stir and feel" method.

The following fire restrictions are still in effect at the National Forest:

• 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.
• Tracer ammunition is prohibited at all times.
• Fireworks are prohibited in Los Padres National Forest at all times and in all places.
• Recreational target shooting is prohibited in all areas of Los Padres National Forest except for the Winchester Canyon Gun Club and the Ojai Valley Gun Club which are under special use permits.