Heading to Los Padres National Forest? Find out the latest on new fire rules

Heading to Los Padres National Forest this Memorial Day weekend?

The U.S. Forest Service has a new series of fire restrictions aimed at reducing the threat of wildfires amid the ongoing drought.

Through Jan. 31, 2022, the use of campfires, stoves, smoking materials and internal-combustion engines will be severely restricted in the nation forest, according to information released by the agency on Thursday.

No open fires, campfires or charcoal fires will be allowed outside of developed recreation sites or designated campfire-use locations, even with a valid state campfire permit.

According to the Forest Service, that free permit allows visitors to use lanterns and portable stoves fueled by gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel.

However, before lighting and using those devices, visitors must first clear all flammable material from 5 feet out from the stove in all directions, have a shovel available and make sure the stove is never left unattended.

You can get a campfire permit at readyforwildfire.org. To find designated areas for campfires, go to fs.usda.gov.

The only places where smoking is allowed in Los Padres National Forest are within an enclosed vehicle, building or designated campfire use site, or while stopped in a barren or completely cleared area of at least 3 feet in diameter.

Use of internal combustion engines is always restricted to roads or designated trails, the Forest Service said. The engines must be tuned up, operating properly and have an approved, operational spark arrester.

Fireworks, even those labeled “safe and sane,” are never allowed in the national forest, the Forest Service said.

Recreational target shooting is also prohibited within Los Padres National Forest — with the exception of the Winchester Canyon Gun Club and Ojai Valley Gun Club, which operate under special use permits.

For more information about fire-safe camping, go to fs.usda.gov/lpnf.

This story was originally published May 27, 2022 at 11:17 AM with the headline "Heading to Los Padres National Forest? Find out the latest on new fire rules."

Kathe Tanner

The Tribune

805-781-7904 (voicemails only)

Kathe Tanner has been writing about the people and places of SLO County’s North Coast since 1981, first as a columnist and then also as a reporter. Her career has included stints as a bakery owner, public relations director, radio host, trail guide and jewelry designer. She has been a resident of Cambria for more than four decades, and if it’s happening in town, Kathe knows about it.