U.S. Forest Service Closes National Forests Across CA Amid Fires

CALIFORNIA — Due to "unprecedented and dangerous fire conditions" sweeping the state, the U.S. Forest Serviced closed numerous national forest lands on Labor Day. The Cleveland National Forest is among many other areas that will close to the public 5 p.m. Monday.

The closures will be re-evaluated daily as conditions change, officials said.

Other national forest lands ordered closed include Angeles National Forest, San Bernardino National Forest, Stanislaus National Forest, Sierra National Forest, Sequoia National Forest, Inyo National Forest and Los Padres National Forest.

Amid a scorching heat wave and dangerous fires such as the Valley Fire burning within the Cleveland National Forest and the Bobcat Fire burning in the Angeles National Forest — officials deemed state forest lands unsafe for public access.

"The wildfire situation throughout California is dangerous and must be taken seriously. Existing fires are displaying extreme fire behavior, new fire starts are likely, weather conditions are worsening, and we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire," said Randy Moore, regional forester for the Pacific Southwest Region.

Restrictions were also imposed on national forest lands throughout the state that were not ordered to close.

U.S. Forest Service officials said all ignition sources, such as campfires and gas stoves, will be prohibited across national forest system lands in California.

Developed campgrounds and day-use sites in national forests throughout the state will also be closed until further notice.

—The City News Service contributed to this report.