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Campfire Permits and Current Fire Restrictions
Fire Restrictions for Los Padres National Forest
May 15, 2023
Campfires and charcoal barbeques are 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 www.readyforwildfire.org. A list of Campfire Use Sites is available at all Forest offices and on the Los Padres National Forest website: www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf.
Visitors who construct wood or charcoal fires outside of designated Campfire Use Sites also must clear all flammable material for a minimum of five feet in all directions; have a shovel available for preparing and extinguishing the fire; have a responsible person in attendance at all times; and extinguish the fire with water, using the “drown, stir and feel” method.
The following restrictions will remain in effect:
• Spark arresters are required on all off-highway vehicles, chainsaws, and other internal combustion engines and equipment.
• A permit is required for all welding, grinding, cutting, or use of explosives.
• Tracer ammunition is prohibited at all times.
• Fireworks are always prohibited in Los Padres National Forest.
• Recreational target shooting is prohibited in all areas of Los Padres National Forest except for the Winchester Canyon Gun Club and the Ojai Valley Gun Club that operate under special use permits.
• Campfires are always prohibited on National Forest System lands in the Santa Barbara Front Country from Gaviota to the Santa Barbara/Ventura County line.
Visitors are encouraged to call the Forest Supervisor’s Office or the local Ranger Station for more information on conditions and restrictions.
Los Padres National Forest prohibits campfires in Santa Barbara front country
The fire restrictions for the Santa Barbara front country are still in effect. This prohibition will remain in effect through Feb 24, 2024.
All campfires are now prohibited on National Forest System lands in the Santa Barbara front country due to the increasing fire danger and the potential threat to downslope communities.
Over the past 15 years, eight large wildfires have directly impacted the front country communities of Goleta, Santa Barbara, Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria. Extreme fire weather events are now occurring year-round and are compounded by the long-term, severe drought affecting Central and So. California.
Front country visitors possessing a valid CA Campfire Permit will be permitted to use portable lanterns or stoves that run on propane, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel.
Visitors are encouraged to call the Forest Supervisor’s Office or the local Ranger Station for more information on conditions and restrictions.
- Supervisor’s Office – (805) 968-6640
- Ojai Ranger District – (805) 448-6487
- Santa Barbara District - (805) 724-0079
- Mt. Pinos Ranger District – (661) 245-3731 ext. 0
- Santa Lucia Ranger District – (805) 623-0328
- Monterey Ranger District – (831) 385-5434 ext. 0
Campfire Permits
California Campfire Permits are available at www.readyforwildfire.org. Watch the video and follow the instructions to obtain a permit. Fill the information out on the permit, print it out and take it with you. Permit is currently required to have a wood or charcoal fire outside of a devleoped Campfire Use Site or to use a portable stove using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid outside of a developed Campfire Use Site.
Regulations governing campfires can change with weather conditions and the seasons. To protect yourself and the forest, before each visit, check with the Forest Service office nearest to your destination for current restrictions.
Your California Campfire Permit is valid until the end of the calendar year; it may be used in any National Forest in California.
During certain times of the year, it is necessary to impose restrictions on campfires and other open flame fires due to high fire danger. It is your responsibility to know what the current restrictions are for the area that you plan to visit.
Internal combustion engines may be operated only on roads or designated trails. (This restriction is in effect year-round)
Spark arresters are required on all off-highway vehicles, chainsaws, and other internal combustion engines and equipment. (This restriction is in effect at all times of the year)
A permit is required for all welding, grinding, cutting, or use of explosives. (This restriction is in effect at all times of the year)
The use of tracer ammunition is prohibited. (This restriction is in effect at all times of the year)
Fireworks are prohibited in Los Padres National Forest. (This restriction is in effect at all times of the year)
YOU CAN BE HELD LIABLE FOR THE COST OF SUPPRESSION AND DAMAGES OF A WILDLAND FIRE THAT YOU CAUSE