Forest Service Closes Additional Areas in Los Padr
Incident: Zaca Wildland Fire
Released: 8/14/2007
Date: August 14, 2007 Los Padres National Forest
6755 Hollister Ave. #150
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Goleta, CA 93117
CONTACT: Kathy Good (805) 961-5759 www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres
Zaca Fire Information Center (805) 961-5770
GOLETA, CA...Additional lands in Los Padres National Forest are now closed to public entry as a precautionary measure due to the Zaca Fire. The closure extends roughly from Highway 166 in northern Santa Barbara County, to east of Highway 33 and south of the Mil Potrero Highway, as well as the Lockwood Valley area. The closure, which affects approximately 888,000 acres, encompasses the entire San Rafael Wilderness, Matilija Wilderness, Chumash Wilderness, a portion of the Sespe Wilderness, and adjacent national forest lands.
The closure prohibits all public entry to national forest lands, trails, roads and recreation sites within the designated area. It does not apply to county roads or state highways, or to private land within or adjacent to the national forest.
The public safety closure has been imposed because of the difficulty of evacuating forest visitors from remote areas should the fire spread. In addition, firefighters and heavy equipment are building contingency lines and conducting backfire operations several miles from the active fire and this closure will allow them to work more safely, quickly and efficiently.
A detailed description and map of the closure are available at Forest Service offices and will be posted on-line at www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres and http://www.inciweb.org.
The Zaca Fire started on July 4, and has burned approximately 103,720 acres. It is currently 44 percent contained.
Fire Restrictions Reminder
Fire restrictions are in effect throughout Los Padres National Forest. These restrictions prohibit the use of wood or charcoal fires in all areas; limit the use of gas-type stoves to designated Campfire Use Sites with a California Campfire Permit; prohibit recreational target shooting except at the Winchester Gun Club and Ojai Valley Gun Club; and limit smoking to buildings, enclosed vehicles and Campfire Use Sites.
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