March 29, 2024
Forest closures expanded, fire conditions unprecedented
SOUTHLAND – (INT) – The closure of national forests in Southern California has been expanded to include all eighteen in the state.

Unprecedented and historic fire conditions exist throughout California resulting in the explosive growth of fires that have consumed millions of acres and destroyed countless number of homes.

Ten additional forests that were closed Wednesday include Eldorado National Forest, Klamath National Forest, Lassen National Forest, Mendocino National Forest, Modoc National Forest, Six Rivers National Forest, Plumas National Forest, Shasta-Trinity National Forest, Tahoe National Forest, and Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit.

Among those closed to the general public on Monday were the San Bernardino, Angeles and Cleveland national forests.

The closures are temporary and reopening them will be re-evaluated on a daily basis as weather and fire conditions change, the Forest Service said.

“The wildfire situation throughout California is dangerous and must be taken seriously. Existing fires are displaying extreme fire behavior, new fire starts are likely, weather conditions are worsening, and we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire,” said Randy Moore, Regional Forester for the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region. “We are bringing every resource to bear nationally and internationally to fight these fires, but until conditions improve, and we are confident that National Forest visitors can recreate safely, the priority is always to protect the public and our firefighters.”

The closures will be re-evaluated daily.
Story Date: September 20, 2020
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