Cooler weather and rains decrease fire risk

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Because of cooler weather and recent rains, officials said today they will lower fire restrictions in the Los Padres National Forest this week.

As of this Friday, campfires and charcoal barbecues will be allowed throughout the national forest. A California Campfire Permit is required to build a fire outside of a designated campsite area. (Permits are free.)

Prohibitions on smoking and target shooting in the National Forest are also to be lifted Friday.

But some restrictions remain in effect: spark arresters are still required on all off-highway vehicles, chainsaws and other internal combustion engines and equipment. A permit is still needed for welding, grinding, cutting or use of explosives. Tracer ammunition and fireworks are still prohibited at all times.

Though fire restrictions are being reduced, Forest Supervisor Peggy Hernandez issued a reminder about continuing year-round fire season in the Los Padres National Forest.

“History has shown us that we can experience a major wildland fire at anytime during the year,” Hernandez said. “A few days of hot, dry and windy weather could mean the return of very dangerous fire conditions.”

Some areas of the national forest will remain closed to the public during the winter because of hazards such as falling trees, rockslides and the potential for mudslides and flash flooding.

For more information on closures and conditions, people can call the King City office of the Forest Service at (831) 385-5434.

--Tami Abdollah