9 National Forests in Northern California Set to Close Due to Extreme Fire Conditions

With wildfires burning over a million acres in Northern California this season, and upcoming extreme fire weather approaching, the National Forest Service has made the decision to close nine local National Forests. The closures will run from Aug. 22 at 11:59 p.m. through Sept. 6 at 11:59 p.m.

The following forests will be affected by the closures:

  • Modoc National Forest
  • Klamath National Forest
  • Plumas National Forest
  • Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
  • Shasta-Trinity National Forest
  • Lassen National Forest
  • Six Rivers National Forest
  • Mendocino National Forest
  • Tahoe National Forest

With the Dixie Fire burning through Plumas and Lassen national forests, and the Caldor Fire already closing the El Dorado National Forest, this decision comes as no surprise. Most wildfires are started by human activity and forest officials aren’t taking any chances in the coming weeks.

“Fires are running very quickly due to the drought conditions, dry fuels, and winds. This makes initial attack and containment very difficult and is even more challenging with strained resources who are battling more than 100 large fires across the country,” said Regional Forester Jennifer Eberlien in a press release.

“We do not take this decision lightly and understand how this impacts people who enjoy recreating on the National Forests. These temporary closures are necessary to ensure public and firefighter safety, as well as reduce the potential for new fire starts. I want to thank the public for your patience during this challenging situation,” she said.

This adds to the already sweeping closures of outdoor destinations in Northern California, including Lassen Volcanic National Park, the Trinity Alps Wilderness, Marble Mountain Wilderness and Russian Wilderness. Basically, there’s not many places you can go in Northern California. Stay safe, everyone.

Active NorCal

Telling the Stories of Northern California

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