Forest Areas Back Open After White Fire

Los Padres National Forest officials announced that the closure of Paradise Road at the first river day use area — enacted after White Fire debris littered the route to popular recreation sites such as Upper Oso and Red Rock — was lifted on 6/20. Santa Barbara District Ranger Pancho Smith cautioned visitors hiking in some of the scorched areas: “The vegetation along the Aliso Trail is completely gone,” he said. “While the trail itself is primarily intact, there are spots where hikers need to be extra careful due loose rocks and gravel. I would encourage folks to avoid the burned areas in favor of the campgrounds and day use areas that weren’t affected by the fire.” Campfires outside established Campfire Use Sites are still prohibited, and target shooting is not allowed without a special permit.