Trail Closures Planned Across RivCo In Attempt To Halt Wildfire

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, CA — The Board of Supervisors is slated to authorize Riverside County Fire Department Chief Bill Weiser to close access to multiple outdoor recreational locations for the duration of the Southern California Wildfire Season in order to minimize public safety risks.

Last week, a swift-moving brush fire north of Murrieta led to near evacuations. Though the cause of that blaze remains under investigation, it is just another example of the fire danger that lurks off trails and in Riverside County's wildlands. Since 2007, the agency has sought and received authorization to close designated grounds, which are located mainly in the central and southwest portions of the county, typically from June to November.

Weiser is asking for this year's closures to take effect on June 15.

"Due to the potential for large, damaging human-caused fires, the county fire chief has determined these areas should be closed, except on public roadways and on inhabited areas of private property within the closure areas," according to a fire department statement. "The potential for large damaging fires this year may be enhanced by the extreme vegetation growth experienced throughout Riverside County."

Though last winter's rainfall totals were considered "well above average," numerous storms in March and April spurred vegetation growth, and vegetation has already gone brittle and brown across large swaths of the inland region.

Officials said wildfires in any locations slated for closure would be difficult to manage, given their terrain and remoteness.

The following sites fall under the county's closure order:

-- Bautista Canyon, southeast of Hemet;

-- Eagle Canyon, between Lake Mathews and the county landfill, just north of Cajalco Road;

-- Indian Canyon and North Mountain, around San Jacinto;

-- the Ramona Bowl, south of Hemet;

-- Steel Peek, northwest of Meadowbrook, due west of Good Hope and south of Gavilan Hills; and

-- Whitewater Canyon, near Cabazon.

Officials noted that the Ramona Bowl would remain accessible between sunrise and noon daily, and the area would be off-limits at any other time.

According to the fire department, reducing foot and off-road vehicle traffic in each location will make the chances of a wildfire starting much slimmer.

Closure signs would be posted at entry points to warn potential violators of fines and other penalties. First offenses usually result in a minimum $100 ticket.

Residents would be permitted to come and go as they please.

The closures are usually lifted at year's end but can be rescinded before then by the chief, depending on the timing of winter rains.