Summertime Safety Concerns Heat Up with Campers Heading into the Backcountry
John Palminteri
LOS PADRES NATIONAL FOREST, Calif. – Campsites covered with oak trees and the Santa Ynez River still holding pockets of water for swimming spots will be a lure for campers this summer. Safety has been emphasized as a top priority for the Los Padres National Forest.
Over the years, there have been emergency responses during the crowded summer season for hiking injuries, swimming spot high-diving issues, and out or control campfires leading to wildland fires.
You don’t have to be a veteran camper or forest official to know, they all can usually be avoided.
Preplanning your trip, letting someone know your destination, and going with others is a safe start.
On Wednesday, Paradise Road off Highway 154 was relatively quiet but campsites were welcoming.
The popular Red Rock swimming spot had a small crowd, but the setting was perfect for those looking for a getaway about 40 minutes from Santa Barbara and deep in the hills to escape the normal beach crowds and parking traffic.
“Yeah, it’s a lot of fun. I mean, it’s so awesome. It’s just like, in our backyard.” said Dylan Kracke a day use visitor and local student.
The U.S. Forest Service is patrolling regularly along with a private contractor, Parks Management Company, to manage the area and make sure those who are coming out have paid their day use or overnight camping fees as required and following all the rules.
The Los Padres Forest Law Enforcement is in the area, but the response zone is very large.
That means the mutual aid with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol is a key element to an overall safety and enforcement plan.
Fire agencies are staffed for a full response at the first sign of smoke. That includes brushfire trucks, bulldozers and helicopters. Choppers are ready to go at the nearby Santa Ynez airport. Air tankers are based at the Santa Maria Airport.
Los Padres Fire Chief Mark Gerwe said at a recent fire season meeting, when it comes to fire pits, “just check it, be sure it’s put out. Camp hosts can support or help you if you need it. If there’s not somebody from the Forest Service around, we’re always willing to.”
He said a runaway fire can turn on you. “You’re not just out there where something could happen, that you ignite a fire, but you’re in the path of a fire.”
High school student Javin Arcuri from Santa Barbara was swimming with friends and plans to come back often. He has camped with his family and his latest outing was with friends. “We don’t usually go to bed if even embers (are burning.) My mom is always very careful about that. “
A camper in the area from San Diego County Steve Clark said, “we, got a real good bead on what we need to do. And and how to do it.”
He was in the Red Rock and Sandstone day use areas and camping nearby. When it comes to fires, keep an eye on the flames and weather. “That’s just common sense. And, you know, especially if it’s a windy, you know, you don’t want to have a big fire because the embers can take off. “
Adam Stern who enjoys the rock diving said, “it’s very important to check the angles, make sure you can make the jump, and then definitely check how deep the water is.”
Conditions are changing regularly. “Just check for branches or sticks that have blown into their dive area.” He says gradually, ” work your way up to the a higher and higher (spot). “
If you are off on a hike be aware of what can affect you that you don’t normally deal with. Gerwe says, “the heat, illness or heat exhaustion really gets more people every year. They over anticipate their ability, maybe not carry enough water, but when you head out in the forest, just think it’s going to be hot, there’s going to be bugs.”
With Independence Day coming up, there are no fireworks allowed in any area of the forest to celebrate the 4th of July.
For more information go to: Los Padres National Forest