Los Padres National Forest

News Release

US Forest Service

Los Padres National Forest

Date: August 3, 2006

Forest Service Reduces Size of Emergency Fire Closures

The Forest Service has reduced significantly the area of Los Padres National Forest closed to public entry due to recent fire emergencies. According to Forest Supervisor Gloria Brown, improved conditions have enabled her to lift the closure in the Perkins Fire area in eastern Santa Barbara County, and reduce the size of the closures surrounding the Scott and Ridge Fires in Kern County and the Bald Fire in northern Santa Barbara County.

“All of the fires are now contained, however our firefighters are continuing with mop-up and rehabilitation work in some areas,” Brown explained. “For their safety and the safety of the public I need to restrict access in some areas. I understand how important access is to the public and I will reopen the areas as soon as it is safe to do so,” she added.

Maps and descriptions of the revised closures - San Rafael Wildfire Complex and Mt. Pinos Lightning Complex. The closures include all national forest lands, roads, trails, campgrounds and other recreation facilities within the designated areas. The closures do not apply to private land. The changes in the closures are as follows:

Mt. Pinos Fire Complex area in southern Kern County --- This closure has been reduced in size, but still covers a wide area including the east Tecuya Ridge off-highway vehicle system. For more information regarding, contact Chuchupate Ranger Station at (661) 245-3731.

San Rafael Fire Complex area in northern Santa Barbara County --- This closure has been reduced in size, but still covers a wide area both within and adjacent to the northeastern end of the San Rafael Wilderness. Sierra Madre Ridge Road remains closed between its intersection with Bates Canyon Road and the road to Pine Flat. For more information, contact the Santa Lucia Ranger District Office at (805) 925-9538.

Perkins Fire area in eastern Santa Barbara County – This closure has been lifted. For more information, contact the Chuchupate Range Station at (661) 245-3731.

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