Forest trails closed by 2009 Station Fire reopening for Memorial Day
All trails previously shuttered since the 2009 Station Fire will reopen in time for Memorial Day on Saturday at Angeles National Forest.
The reopening provides about 46,000 acres of available space for hiking, camping and picknicking, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The areas were closed due to public safety concerns, and to allow for new growth and vegetation planting since the fire charred about 161,000 acres.
“We have worked very hard to get these areas reforested and restored since the Station Fire. Now people can enjoy them just like they do the rest of the forest,” forest supervisor Tom Contreras said in a statement.
Some areas will still remain closed for continued work and public safety reasons, including the Lower Gabrielino Trail below Bear Canyon Trail, Barley Flats Trail, Colby Trail, Ken Burton Trail, Millard Water Fall User Trail, Santa Clara Divide Road, Messenger Flats Campground, Lightning Point Campground and Big Buck Campground.
Officials also warned that fire danger level remains “very high.” Open wood and charcoal fires are permitted only at campgrounds and picnic areas where steel fire ring and grills are provided. They must be extinguished before leaving the site. Petroleum jelly and propane stoves are also permitted in non-developed area with a valid California Campfire Permit.
Drivers should remain on designated forest roads and never park on dry brush or grass, to avoid risk of starting a fire.
To learn more about the conditions at Angeles National Forest, visit www.fs.usda.gov/angeles/.
-- Nicole Charky, nicole.charky@latimes.com
Follow on Twitter: @Nicosharki.
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