I have been trying to post this photo I took last Sunday, showing the fire restrictions, but as those who follow me know, I’ve been besieged by internet and cell phone demons lately.
Tonight, the USFS came out with its official announcement, so I thought I’d give it a try:
Date: August 18, 2011 Los Padres National Forest
6755 Hollister Ave. #150
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Goleta, CA 93117
CONTACT: Public Affairs Officer – Andrew Madsen (805) 961-5759 http://fs.usda.gov/lpnf
or
Joe Pasinato (805) 961-5745
Fire Restrictions in Los Padres Take Effect August 18
GOLETA, CA…In response to the increasing potential for a wildland fire start, Los Padres National Forest officials announced that Level 2 Fire Restrictions will be implemented throughout the forest beginning August 17, 2011. These restrictions will affect the use of campfires, stoves, smoking materials and internal combustion engines, and will remain in effect until the end of fire season in late autumn.
Beginning August 18, 2011, the following restrictions will be in effect:
· No open fires, campfires or charcoal fires will be permitted outside of developed recreation sites or designated Campfire Use Sites (EXHIBIT A) even with a valid California Campfire Permit. Lanterns and portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel will be permitted, but only with a valid California Campfire Permit (available free-of-charge at any Forest Service office). Forest visitors must clear all flammable material for five feet in all directions from their camp stove, have a shovel available, and ensure that a responsible person attends the stove at all times during use.
· Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated Campfire Use Site, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
· Internal combustion engines may be operated only on roads or designated trails. This restriction is in effect year-round. Please make sure your engine is tuned, operating properly, and has an approved spark arrester.
“The heavy rains that fell over the winter and into the spring gave a boost to our forest vegetation,” Los Padres Forest Supervisor Peggy Hernandez said. “But as the plant moisture levels drop, we all need to be extra cautious when we’re spending time in the forest.”
For a list of Developed Recreation Sites and Campfire Use Sites in Los Padres National Forest, or further information regarding Fire-Safe Camping, visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf or contact the Forest Service district office nearest you.
EXHIBIT A
Campfire Use Sites
Monterey Ranger District
Arroyo Seco Campground / Group Camp
Arroyo Seco Day Use Area
Bottchers Gap Campground
China Camp
Escondido Campground
Kirk Creek Campground
Nacimiento Campground
Mill Creek Day Use Area
Plaskett Creek Campground / Group Camp
Ponderosa Campground
Sand Dollar Day Use Area
Santa Lucia Memorial Park Campground
White Oaks Camp
Ed note: outside of those listed above, in other words, all the “informal” campgrounds, with or without a fire ring, campfires are NOT allowed, and building one is a federal misdemeanor which can result in a substantial fine, jail time, or both.