Los Padres National Forest officials raise fire restrictions
SOLVANG, Calif.— In response to the increasing potential for a wildland fire start, Los Padres National Forest officials announced that fire restrictions will be raised throughout the Forest effective today, May 25. 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.
Effective May 25, 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, 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, which are available free-of-charge on the Forest website. 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 a 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.
· Fireworks – even the “safe and sane” variety – are not permitted at any time or in any location within the Forest.
· Recreational target shooting remains prohibited within Los Padres National Forest except for the two areas under special use permit, i.e., Winchester Canyon Gun Club and the Ojai Valley Gun Club.
For a list of Developed Recreation Sites and Campfire Use Sites in Los Padres National Forest, or further information regarding Fire-Safe Camping, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/lpnf/home or contact the U.S. Forest Service district office nearest you.
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The only fire I consider safe, (one shouldn’t need the three-foot clearance, but build it anyway) regardless of fire hazard rating, is a properly located and properly constructed and operated “Dakota Hole.” I use a small trenching spade. It works better than a shovel. It is more efficient, and the fire can be extinguished with one stroke of the spade (sideways) if a blow comes up (though a properly made and used one is almost wind-proof). If a single ember escapes, the fireproof circle, you’ve done something wrong. It uses a minimum of LOCAL fuel, and my breakfast will be waiting for me before I roll out in the morning. I can sleep warmly on top of it; if necessary, I can use more than one.
WARNING There are a number of versions on the Internet; most of them wrong. Two simple, six-inch holes about a foot deep, connected laterally with a small opening at the bottom is best. All fuel should be vertical in the hole. No flames more than 6 inches above the hole. You can regulate the amount of oxygen/speed of burn by obstructing the lateral vent hole at the bottom of the air intake pit. A stone will do, but once in, it can get HOT.
This guy almost gets it right; at least he’s better than most: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffldYo4EVCg&t=1s
Y’all stay safe, now, y’heah?
Great new header. Perfect place for such an important message.