Most of California remains under the threat, of or in the midst of, fire conditions with a combination of extreme heat, significant wind, dry conditions, and stretched firefighting resources. Due to these conditions, the USDA Forest Service (USFS) Pacific Southwest Region closed eight national forests in the Pacific Southwest affecting much of Central and Southern California.
The closures included the closing of the following national forests: Stanislaus National Forest, Sierra National Forest, Sequoia National Forest, Inyo National Forest, Los Padres National Forest, Angeles National Forest, San Bernardino National Forest, and Cleveland National Forest.
The USFS also prohibited the use of any ignition source on all National Forest System lands (campfires, gas stoves, etc.) throughout California. Also closed were all developed campgrounds and day-use sites on National Forests in California.
“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. With these extreme conditions, these temporary actions will help us do both.”
USFS said an example of extreme fire behavior is the Creek Fire on the Sierra National Forest which began on Friday, September 4 and grew rapidly on Saturday, September 5. The fire made a 15-mile run in a single day and burned 36,000 acres, prompting evacuations and life-saving measures. The California National Guard evacuated at least 200 people from Wagner Mammoth Pool Campground and assessed them for medical needs.
USFS said, “The Forest Service thanks our partners and the public for their cooperation and understanding of this monumental fire threat. It is critical that all Californians and national forest visitors follow these important closures and restrictions for their own safety and the safety of our firefighters.”
The Forest Service manages 18 National Forests in the Pacific Southwest Region, which encompasses over 20 million acres across California, and assists forest landowners in California, Hawaii and the U.S. Affiliated Pacific Islands.
