‘Unprecedented and dangerous’ fire conditions close Los Padres National Forest in SLO County
The U.S. Forest Service on Monday completely closed several California national forests due to extreme heat and the threat of wildfires — including Los Padres National Forest.
In addition to Los Padres, the federal agency also closed Stanislaus National Forest, Sierra National Forest, Sequoia National Forest, Inyo National Forest, Angeles National Forest, San Bernardino National Forest, and Cleveland National Forest, according to a news release.
Developed campgrounds and day-use sites in all California National Forests were also closed. Ignition sources, including campfires and gas stoves, were prohibited on all National Forest System lands in California.
The temporary closures and prohibitions will go into effect at 5 p.m. on Monday and “will be re-evaluated daily as conditions change,” according to a U.S. Forest Service news release.
“Most of California remains under the threat of unprecedented and dangerous fire conditions with a combination of extreme heat, significant wind events, dry conditions, and firefighting resources that are stretched to the limit,” the release said. “Due to these conditions, the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region is announcing the following temporary closures and fire restrictions to provide for public safety and reduce the potential for human caused fire starts.”
The U.S. Forest Service cited the Creek Fire burning in the Sierra National Forest as an example of the “extreme fire behavior” that caused the closures.
“The fire made a 15-mile run in a single day and burned 36,000 acres, prompting evacuations and life saving measures,” the release said. “The California National Guard evacuated at least 200 people from Wagner Mammoth Pool Campground and assessed them for medical needs.”
The Dolan Fire in Monterey County is also still burning a portion of the Los Padres National Forest near Big Sur. As of Monday, fire has scorched more than 36,000 acres and was 40% contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
For more information, visit fs.usda.gov/r5.
This story was originally published September 7, 2020 at 2:11 PM.
