Fire Chief recommends the closure of 7 ‘hazardous fire areas’, including Whitewater Canyon
CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Chief, Daniel R. Talbot received approval from the Riverside County Board of Supervisors to immediately close seven hazardous fire areas throughout the region on June 18, 2018.
On Thursday at least three small fires sparked near Idyllwild. People living nearby say it’s a reminder to be prepared for the season.
“It’s a dry season. We haven’t had much rain. The winter was horrible. We didn’t really get any snow. So it’ll be interesting to see what happens,” said Chris Jones, an Idyllwild local.
Others are asking locals and visitors to be careful.
“If you have a closed fire, that’s cool, but things get out of control super easy, super fast. We don’t know why, we’re locals, but three fires? That’s enough to question. I really hope people be careful,” said Jamie Starkey Peterson.
Hiking area closures will remain in effect June 18 until further notice in the following areas:
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)
“We like the mountains and we like to take our kids out and jeep the trails. If that’s shut down, it’s obviously for a good reason, but it also takes away from why we’re here,” said Idyllwild local, John Freeland.
According to Cal Fire, Riverside County Ordinance 787.8 restricts public access to these identified hazardous fire areas unless private property access is required. Public roadway travel is permitted; providing travel is confined to those surfaces within hazardous fire areas. Those violating the Ordinance may be subject to a minimum fine of $100 for first-time offenses. Future closures may be implemented based upon weather conditions, fuel moisture and increased wildland fire threat.
