Strict fire restrictions in effect for forest

  • Retired firefighter Jeff Zimmerman helped put out spot fires in San Diego County this month, and took photos that remind us what the season ahead may hold here if we are not very cautious. [photo by Jeff Zimmerman]

    Retired firefighter Jeff Zimmerman helped put out spot fires in San Diego County this month, and took photos that remind us what the season ahead may hold here if we are not very cautious. [photo by Jeff Zimmerman]

Compiled by TME staff

Extremely dry vegetation and increasing fire danger have propelled Los Padres National Forest into Level III fire restrictions immediately. Restrictions will be vigorously enforced, a statement from LPNF said May 19.

•Smoking is prohibited in all areas of the national forest except within an enclosed vehicle, building or designated campfire use site.

•Recreational target shooting is prohibited in all areas of the National Forest unless specifically authorized by a special use permit with the LPNF.

•Hunting with a valid State of California hunting license during open hunting season is exempt from this restriction.

•Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited in all areas of Los Padres National Forest except for designated campfire use sites.

•Those with a valid California Campfire Permit may 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 (www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf). You may also obtain a California Campfire Permit in person at a U.S. Forest Service ranger station.

Clear all flammable material for a distance of 10 feet in all directions from your camp stove. Have a shovel available and ensure that a responsible person attends the stove at all times when it is in use.

•Operating any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arrestor is prohibited. It must be properly installed, maintained and in working order on roads and trails designated for such use. This restriction is in effect year-round.

The Mt. Pinos District campfire use campgrounds are: Aliso Park; Ballinger; Caballo Campo Alto; Chuchupate; Chula Vista; Dome Springs; Dutchman; Halfmoon; Kings Camp; Marian; McGill; McGill Group; Mt. Pinos; Nettle Springs; Pine Springs; Rancho Nuevo; Reyes Creek; Thorn Meadows; Tinta; Toad Springs; and Valle Vista.

The number for Mt. Pinos Ranger District is 661.245.3731.

This is part of the May 23, 2014 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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