A major portion of the Powerhouse Fire closure area in the Angeles National Forest has been lifted.
Seventeen months after the wildfire decimated more than 30,000 acres of land (47.2 square miles) and destroyed nearly 60 structures including 30 homes, part of the fire closure remains in effect, especially on the eastern and western perimeters, as do the penalties for entering those areas: $5,000 per person fine, $10,000 per group, and up to 6 months in jail.
Day 4 of the Powerhouse Fire in Lake Hughes, 6-2-2013.
Forest officials deemed it necessary to keep the partial closure in effect to protect natural resources and provide for public safety. The new closure order was issued by Forest Supervisor Tom Contreras Oct. 22, and it remains in effect until Oct. 22, 2015. Then it will either expire or be renewed or modified.
So, if you plan to visit the area of Salt Creek, Fish Canyon, Tule or Red Mountain, be sure you are in the area where the fire closure has been lifted. (Click on map above to enlarge.)
The fire closure has taken longer to expire due to the prolonged drought. The lack of precipitation has prevented new growth and has rendered trails and roads unstable and unsafe.
Grass Mountain and Jupiter Mountain are now open; there has been sufficient recovery in this area.
Exhibit A of the new fire closure order describes the closed areas as follows:
This means that Salt Creek and a portion of Fish Canyon are open for hiking as well as other suitable activities. No fires or stoves are allowed in the area without fire permits.
If you are planning a trip into the Fish Canyon area, you can call your local Forest Service office with any questions you may have.
The public should be especially aware of animals in the area. The animals within the fire closure boundaries have been under great duress since the May-June 2013 fire and have had to compete for food and land with other animals. Approaching them or interfering with their activities would subject them to additional and unnecessary stress.
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