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Los Padres National Forest
From the Mountains to the Sea
Encompassing almost two million acres, Los Padres National Forest spans some of the most ruggedly beautiful landscapes to be found anywhere in California
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Los Padres National Forest Fire Restrictions
Los Padres National Forest fire restrictions are in place through January 31, 2025. Learn more about fire restrictions.
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Coastal Zone Visitor Use Management Plan
The Coastal Zone Visitor Use Management strategy for the Big Sur coast has been completed following extensive collaboration with partners, user groups, residents, and local agencies over the past three years. This comprehensive strategy sets forth the guiding principles for developing a sustainable implementation plan to address the growing number of visitors to the Big Sur coast.
Features
Santa Lucia District Ranger presents Roberto Silva with an award for his service
The Los Padres paid homage to employee Roberto Silva for his exceptional service and initiative over the years as a firefighter on the Santa Lucia and Monterey Ranger Districts. Currently the fire engine operator and relief captain for Pozo Engine 34, Silva has been diligently leading the district in firefighting, fuels management, and forestry.
Quick Actions Saved Lives on Los Padres’ Lake Fire
The Lake Fire broke out the afternoon of July 5 near Zaca Lake on the Santa Lucia Ranger District of Los Padres National Forest. A giant plume of smoke dominated the horizon and was visible from Santa Maria to Santa Barbara. Air tankers were soon on scene, criss-crossing the smoke-filled skies over the fast-moving blaze.
Forest Patrol 38 Cassy Buckley had just finished cabin inspections when she saw the smoke and reported the new fire start. Based on her location and after speaking with the IC, she decided it was best to canvass Zaca Ridge Road and flush out any visitors who were recreating in the area. “I notified the local campgrounds that we had a fire and that there was a pre-evacuation order for the area,” Buckley said.
Confident that all members of the public had left the area, she tied in with the Incident Command Post and was told to return to Figueroa Mountain and clear any campers from the Nira, Davy Brown and Figueroa campgrounds.