Wildlife Areas Reopen In Napa County Post Fires

NAPA COUNTY, CA — Two state-operated wildlife areas in Napa County reopened this week but officials warned that heavy rain may prompt closures.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife in a statement Wednesday announced the reopening of the Knoxville Wildlife Area and Cedar Roughs Wildlife Area.

The Hennessey Fire, part of the LNU-Lightning Complex Fires last August, consumed the entire 21,500-acre Knoxville Wildlife Area and both the Lake Berryessa and Maxwell Creek units of the 414-acre Cedar Roughs Wildlife Area.

State wildlife officials asked the public to only use established old ranch road trails and to remain vigilant of potential hazards such as falling trees and rocks.

"Potential for debris flow is high along the northern section of Berryessa-Knoxville Road and in the Long Canyon area during heavy rain events," officials said. "To protect public safety, this may prompt subsequent closure of the Knoxville Wildlife Area."