Fireworks Prohibited in the Los Padres National Forest (& Big Sur & Cambria, etc.)

NEWS RELEASE

Los Padres National Forest
For Immediate Release
Contact: Andrew Madsen (805) 961-5759
Twitter: @LosPadresNF

Los Padres Reminds Fourth of July Visitors of Fireworks Ban

GOLETA, CA, July 1, 2014…Los Padres officials are reminding Fourth of July visitors that the possession or use of fireworks—including the “safe and sane” variety—is strictly prohibited in the forest at all times. Rangers and law enforcement officers patrolling the forest will be strictly enforcing the ban throughout the long weekend.

A violation of the law could result in a $5,000 fine and/or six months in jail. In addition, anyone causing a wildfire is potentially liable for all costs associated with suppressing the fire.
The Forest asks that all visitors take the following precautions to prevent wildfires:
· Contact the Ranger Station nearest your destination for the latest conditions.
· Campfires are permitted in Campfire Use Sites only and must be attended at all times.
· Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are allowed to use portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel outside of designated Campfire Use Sites. California Campfire Permits are available for free download from the Los Padres National Forest website (http://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf). You must clear all flammable material for a distance of 10 feet in all directions from your camp stove, have a shovel and water available nearby, and ensure that a responsible person attends the stove at all times when it is in use.
· Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated Campfire Use Site.
· Internal or external combustion engines require properly installed, functional spark arresters. This requirement is in effect year-round.

Make sure all campfires are “dead out” before you leave the Campfire Use Site. Avoid parking vehicles on grass, as hot engines can ignite dry vegetation. Report any suspicious activity to the nearest Forest Service Officer or Ranger Station. To report a fire or other emergency, call 911.