El Dorado Fire Burn Scar Reopens After 18-Month Closure

SAN BERNARDINO NATIONAL FOREST, CA — After an 18-month closure, on Friday San Bernardino National Forest managers reopened wildland areas closed due to the deadly 2020 El Dorado Fire.

The reopening includes the Thurman Flats Picnic Area and popular trails, such as the San Bernardino Peak and Foresee Creek. Areas outside the burn scar closed due to debris flow concerns, such as trails and recreation cabin areas, are also now open, the U.S. Forest Service announced.

"Visitors are forewarned that they will be entering a burn scar where hazards may persist. Those include falling trees and limbs, loose rocks and ash pits, and trails blocked by debris or with washouts," according to the federal agency.

Forest staff and the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association, a USFS partner, will continue to address trail work over the summer and into future years. One of the first projects will be to re-establish the John’s Meadow backcountry camp area, which will be closed to overnight camping in the short term, the USFS reported.

The El Dorado Fire broke out Sept. 5, 2020, in the area of Yucaipa, west of Oak Glen. It was caused by a pyrotechnic device at a gender reveal party. The couple accused of setting off the blaze was charged with involuntary manslaughter and dozens of other crimes. USFS Hotshot firefighter Charles Morton, 39, died battling the inferno that ultimately burned 22,744 acres and destroyed 10 structures.

Free permits are required for day and overnight trips into the San Gorgonio Wilderness. They can be obtained online on the San Gorgonio Wilderness Association’s website. Recreation passes, such as the Adventure Pass, are required to park at Thurman Flats Picnic Area.