County Fire Chief Reopens Several Hiking Areas

Riverside County Fire Department’s chief has authorized several hiking areas around the region to be reopened following months-long closures.

These areas were closed “for much of 2014” because of “severe fire danger,” according to the fire department:

• Avery Canyon (Gibbel Road east of State Street in Hemet)
• North Mountain and Indian Canyon (San Jacinto area)
• Whitewater Canyon (Cabazon, north of Palm Springs)
• Nuevo/Lakeview (east of Menifee Road and San Jacinto Avenue)
• Minto (Sage)
• Reinhardt Canyon (north of Highway 74 and California Avenue in Hemet)
• Ramona Bowl and Bautista Canyon (southeast Hemet)

The areas were back open to the public as of noon Tuesday.

“Chief Hawkins possesses the authority under Riverside County Ordinance 787.6 to restrict public access to these identified hazardous fire areas unless private property access is required,” fire officials said in a news release. “These hazardous areas are closed only when fire danger increases to hazardous levels.”

“While I am pleased to announce the reopening of the beautiful hiking areas, outdoor enthusiasts must remember that we live in a climate where fire danger looms year-round. Please be mindful of the fire threat that still exists in the severe drought conditions”, says Chief Hawkins.

The department may close the areas again, depending on weather conditions and fuel moisture. Maps for each of the affected areas can be located at www.rvcfire.org .

(Image via Shutterstock)