Angeles National Forest

News Release

USDA Forest Service

Angeles National Forest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Angeles National Forest to End Temporary Emergency Closure

ARCADIA, CA — November 6, 2007

ARCADIA, Calif. — The temporary emergency closure that was put into effect for the Angeles National Forest on October 23, 2007, will be terminated on Thursday, November 8, 2007. The Angeles, along with the Los Padres, San Bernardino and Cleveland National Forests (NF), implemented the temporary closures during the recent fires due to extreme fire danger, and to protect public health and safety. These closures were left in place last weekend due to Santa Ana winds and on-going fire-related activities.

Forest Service officials have reevaluated current conditions for the four Forests based on a variety of criteria including the moisture level in vegetation, weather conditions and firefighter staffing/equipment needs. That assessment concludes that it is now possible to re-open the Angeles, Los Padres, and San Bernardino National Forests to visitors beginning Thursday. The Cleveland National Forest will re-open on Saturday, November 10, 2007.

All areas which were closed to the public prior to the temporary emergency closures will remain closed. In addition, some new specific areas within the Angeles National Forest that were damaged by the Buckweed and the Ranch fires will remain closed until rehabilitation efforts are completed. This includes Rowher Flat Off Highway Vehicle and Drinkwater Flat areas which were burnt during the Buckweed fire. Please check with each Forest for site-specific information.

On the Angeles National Forest, the fire danger level will remain at Extreme since the moisture level in vegetation continues to be well below normal. Forest visitors need to be aware that current conditions are still very dry and serious. With the lack of rain, the risk of wildfire in the Forests is steadily increasing.

The following restrictions remain in effect for the Angeles NF:

• Wood or charcoal fires are not allowed anywhere on the Forest.
• Propane or jelled gas stoves will be allowed with a valid California Campfire Permit.
• Smoking is allowed only in enclosed buildings or vehicles.
• No fireworks.
• No shooting of tracer, armor piercing, Teflon or steel core ammunition.
• Forest Service approved spark arrestors are required on off-highway vehicles, chainsaws, and other internal combustion engines.
• Welding, grinding, cutting and use of explosives allowed only with permit.
• Geographic areas may be closed due to special circumstances.

It is important that everyone remains "situationally aware" of their surroundings and the responsibilities associated with visiting the Forest. The Forest Service wants to ensure that everyone has safe and enjoyable visit while increasing their awareness and understanding of the current situation and the potential for wildfire.

For more information on the closure on the Angeles NF, please contact one of the offices listed below.

Forest Supervisor's Office, Arcadia     (626) 574-1613

Los Angeles River Ranger District, San Fernando     (818) 899-1900

San Gabriel River Ranger District, Glendora     (626) 335-1251

Note: The Santa Clara/Mojave Rivers Ranger District which was located in Saugus, CA, was destroyed in the Buckweed fire and a temporary office will be re-established soon.

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