August 1 - 14, 2017
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NEW LIFE CAN GROW FROM DEVASTATION
Fire restrictions begin in Los Padres National Forest Staff Report
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Photos contributed Roughly 90 percent of the structures at Rancho Alegre were lost when the Whittier Fire swept through the area on July 8.
Rancho Alegre intends to rise from the ashes Scouting officials hope insurance payments, community contributions will make the camp better than ever by Raiza Giorgi
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ildfire brings devastation, but out of the ashes can grow new life. That’s exactly what the Boy Scouts of America’s Los Padres Council is planning to do with its Rancho Alegre camp and Outdoor School, where more than 90 percent of the structures were lost
to the Whittier Fire on July 8. “Even though we lost our structures we didn’t lose any lives, and that’s the most important thing. If the fire had been either 24 hours earlier or later, this might be a different story,” said Carlos Cortez, executive director of the Boy Scouts council. That Saturday morning, just a few hours before the fire broke out, a group of younger Scouts left the camp. The next day, CAMP CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
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The Boy Scouts of America Los Padres Council has invited the Scouting community to help re-build Rancho Alegre after the devastation of the Whittier Fire.
s wildland fire season approached, Los Padres National Forest officials implemented Level II fire restrictions that affect the use of campfires, stoves, smoking materials and internal combustion engines. “The moisture levels are approaching a critical threshold. Combine that with warm temperatures and high winds and we have all the ingredients for fire starts,” Los Padres Forest Fire Management Officer Carrie Landon said. “The most important thing is for forest visitors to be aware of their surroundings and exercise caution when conditions are ripe for a wildfire.” The rules will remain in effect until the end of fire season in late autumn. Effective immediately, the following restrictions are in effect: n No open fires will be permitted outside of developed recreation sites or designated campfire sites, even with a valid campfire permit. Lanterns and portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel will be permitted, but only with a valid campfire permit, which is available free on the forest website or at any Forest Service office. n Smoking is prohibited, except within an enclosed vehicle, building, or a designated campfire site. n Internal combustion engines may be operated only on roads or designated trails. This restriction is in effect year-round. Engines must have an approved spark arrester. For a list of developed recreation sites and campfire use sites in Los Padres National Forest, or other information, visit www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf or contact the Forest Service district office nearest you.