The National Park Service, California State Parks and other agencies announced parks and trails would close in the Santa Monica Mountains and nearby areas as Santa Ana winds prompt wildfire warnings.
The closures – the first since the National Park Service, California State Parks, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority established a coordinated protocol
– are expected on Oct. 15-16.The National Weather Service has issued a red flag warning for most of Ventura County and parts of Los Angeles County over the two days.
By closing spots during critical fire conditions, officials said they may reduce the potential for wildfire ignitions, limit potential evacuations if a wildfire starts and protect the areas
and visitors. Agency superintendents and directors are expected to determine what locations would close based on the extent and severity of the forecast.
As of Wednesday, officials announced parks and trails within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area would close Thursday and Friday. The list included these local spots:
- Rancho Sierra Vista, Newbury Park, and the adjacent Point Mugu State Park
- Circle X, Mishe Mokwa and Sandstone Peak, off Yerba Buena Road
- Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park, near Chatsworth
- Paramount Ranch, Agoura Hills
- Cheeseboro, Agoura Hills
- King Gillette Ranch, Calabasas
- Malibu Creek State Park, Calabasas
- Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve, Simi Hills
In some cases, campgrounds and other facilities may remain open. Authorities urged visitors to check agency websites for specific closure information.
Cheri Carlson covers the environment for the Ventura County Star. Reach her at cheri.carlson@vcstar.com.
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Local parks, trails to close amid red flag conditions, Santa Ana winds
