Gap Fire Closures To Reopen 7/19/08

Gap Fire Closure Reduced, Effective July 19

The Forest Service will lift a portion of the emergency closure associated with the Gap Fire, effective Saturday, July 19. The area to be reopened is national forest land south of East Camino Cielo between Highway 154 and Gibraltar Road. The area that will remain closed until further notice includes all national forest lands west of Highway 154 to Refugio Road.

The closure prohibits all public entry to national forest lands, trails, roads and recreation sites within the designated area. It does not apply to private land within or adjacent to the national forest.

For more information and current conditions, contact the Los Prietos Ranger Station at (805)967-3481. For the current status of the Gap Fire, visit www.inciweb.org.
Additional Fire Restrictions in Los Padres National Forest


In response to increasing fire danger, Forest Service officials today announced that they will impose additional fire restrictions in Los Padres National Forest starting Friday, July 18. The following restrictions will remain in effect until the end of the high fire season:

Wood and charcoal fires are prohibited in all areas of Los Padres National Forest, including developed campgrounds and designated Campfire Use Sites.Portable stoves and lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel, are allowed in all areas of Los Padres National Forest; however, a California Campfire Permit is required to use a stove outside of developed campgrounds and designated Campfire Use Sites. Campfire Permits are available free-of-charge at any Forest Service office. In developed recreation sites position portable stoves and lanterns in cleared areas near tables and permanently installed stoves. In dispersed areas, clear all flammable material for a distance of five feet in all directions from the stove, have a shovel available, and ensure that a responsible person attends the stove at all times when it is in use.Recreational target shooting is prohibited in all areas of Los Padres National Forest except the Winchester Gun Club in Santa Barbara County and the Ojai Valley Gun Club in Ventura County. Hunting with a valid State of California hunting license is exempt from this restriction.
Smoking is prohibited in all areas of Los Padres National Forest except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated Campfire Use Site.

Internal combustion engines may be operated only on roads or trails that are designated for such use. (This restriction is in effect year-round.) Make sure that your engine is operating properly and you have an approved spark arrester.

The public is reminded that there are currently two fire-related emergency closures in Los Padres National Forest encompassing the entire Monterey Ranger District, and a portion of the Santa Barbara Ranger District in the vicinity of the Gap Fire. For further information regarding current conditions, emergency closures, permit requirements, and safety tips, contact your nearest Forest Service office or visit the Los Padres National Forest website