Level II fire restrictions will be implemented throughout the Los Padres NF and will remain in effect until the end of the fire season in late autumn.

January 17, 2017 - Snow and rain across Los Padres National Forest has provided sufficient moisture to reduce fire restrictions on the forest effective immediately. Under the reduced fire restrictions, campfires and charcoal barbeques will be allowed in all areas of the Forest. A California Campfire Permit is required to build a campfire outside of a designated Campfire Use Site. California Campfire Permits are available for free download from the Forest website, http://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf and at all ranger stations and the Forest Supervisor's Office. A list of Campfire Use Sites is available on the Forest website and at all Forest ranger stations. 

Restrictions: 

In response to the increasing potential for a wildland fire start, Los Padres National Forest officials announced that Level II fire restrictions will be implemented throughout the Forest effective immediately. 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 immediately, 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 and 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 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.
• “The moisture levels are approaching a critical threshold. Combine that with warm temperatures and high winds and we have all the ingredients for fire starts,” Los Padres Forest Fire Management Officer Carrie Landon said. “The most important thing is for forest visitors to be aware of their surroundings and exercise caution when conditions are ripe for a wildfire.”

For a list of Developed Recreation Sites and Campfire Use Sites in Los Padres National Forest, or further information regarding Fire-Safe Camping, visit www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf or contact the Forest Service district office nearest you.

Visitors are encouraged to call the local Ranger Station for more information on conditions and restrictions.

Santa Barbara Ranger District – (805) 967-3481

Ojai Ranger District – (805) 646-4348

Mt. Pinos Ranger District – (661) 245-3731

Santa Lucia Ranger District – (805) 925-9538

Monterey Ranger District – (831) 385-5434

For a list of designated Campfire Use Sites, CLICK HERE and also see list below. For further information regarding current conditions and safety tips, contact your nearest Forest Service office or visit the Los Padres National Forest website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf