After re-evaluating the current concerns over fires in Santa Barbara County the Forest Service announced that effective Thursday, Nov. 8, the emergency closure for Los Padres National Forest will be lifted. The San Rafael Wilderness, the Dick Smith Wilderness, as well as areas affected by the Zaca Fire will remain off-limits until further notice. The Forest Service reminds the public that restrictions against smoking, wood and charcoal fires, recreational shooting, and other bans in place before the fires will remain in effect throughout the end of fire season. In other parts of the state, the Angeles and the San Bernadino National Forests will be reopened on Thursday with the Cleveland National Forest following suit on November 10th. Forest Service officials held off opening the forests this past weekend to protect against possible threats from the Santa Ana Winds.
For more information, visit the Los Padres National Forest website.