Several County Hiking Trails Shut Down Due To Fire Risk

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors today authorized the fire department to close access to seven hiking and off-road areas where fire danger is highest in the summer months.

Since 2007, fire Chief John Hawkins has requested permission to close the grounds — located mainly in the central and southwest portions of the county — for the duration of Southern California’s fire season, generally from June to November.

This year, Hawkins asked for the closures sooner than usual because of the “substantial available fuels from excessive winter rains” that produced tall brush, weeds and grass, according to a fire department statement.

Dry conditions raise the risk of wildfires, and fighting them would be challenging given the areas’ terrain and remoteness, according to fire officials.

The following locations fall under the county’s closure order:

— Avery Canyon in southeast Hemet;

— Indian Canyon and North Mountain in San Jacinto;

— Minto Way in Sage, north of Aguanga;

— Nuevo, east of Menifee Road and San Jacinto Avenue;

— Ramona Bowl and Bautista Canyon in southeast Hemet;

— Reinhardt Canyon, north of Highway 74 and California Avenue in Hemet; and,

— Whitewater Canyon in Cabazon.

By minimizing foot and vehicle traffic, the chances of a wildfire starting in the locations are much slimmer, according to the fire department.

Closure signs will be posted at entry points to warn potential violators of fines and other penalties.

People who reside in or near the locations will be permitted to come and go as they please.