TOPSHOT – The Bobcat Fire continues to burn through the Angeles National Forest in Los Angeles County, north of Azusa, California, September 17, 2020. California faces more devastation from wildfires that have ravaged the West Coast, authorities have warned, with strong winds and dry heat expected to whip up flames from dozens of blazes raging across the state. Governor Gavin Newsom said although firefighters had made progress in their battle to contain more than two dozen major wildfires, so-called Santa Ana winds could fuel the relentless blazes. (Photo by Kyle Grillot / AFP) (Photo by KYLE GRILLOT/AFP via Getty Images)
The Angeles National Forest has started to reopen Thursday after widespread devastation during the Eaton and Bridge fires.
Two areas comprising roughly 17% of the forest will remain temporarily closed for public safety and natural recovery of the landscape.
While closed, the following areas below are prohibited:
- Going into or being upon National Forest System lands within the Eaton Fire Closure Area as shown on Exhibit B
- Being on any National Forest System Road within the Eaton Fire Closure Area as shown on Exhibit C
- Being on any National Forest System Trail within the Eaton Fire Closure Area as shown on Exhibit D
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Angeles National Forest and San Gabriel Mountains: Exhibits B,C and D
Violating these zoning restrictions is punishable by a fine upwards of $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, imprisonment for six months, or a combination of the two.
Park officials say these areas often include dangerous hazards including:
- Rolling rocks and vegetation
- Landslides, rockslides, mudslides, and flash flooding can occur at any time with little to no warning, even when you cannot see any rain nearby.
- Hidden hot spots burning underground that you could step into unknowingly
