Dozens of parks, trails and backcountry areas in California’s Santa Monica Mountains are being closed from Thursday, October 15, as forecasters warn that strong Santa Ana winds and very low humidity could allow wildfires to spread rapidly.
The closures are expected to remain in place until at least Saturday, October 17, and affect land managed by the National Park Service, California State Parks, the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority.
The National Weather Service has issued a Red Flag Warning for the region, with northeast to east winds of up to 40mph and gusts reaching 50 to 70mph in mountain areas. Relative humidity levels could fall as low as 8 to 20 per cent.
Officials say the conditions create a high risk of extreme fire behaviour if a new blaze starts, particularly across the dry vegetation of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
The closures mark the first use of a new joint protocol agreed by the four agencies to coordinate decisions and public warnings during Red Flag Warnings. The framework is intended to reduce the risk of human-caused fires and limit the number of people who might need to be evacuated during an emergency.
Jody Lyle, superintendent of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, said the mountains should be treated as “one landscape” despite being managed by several organisations.
“A coordinated approach is important because it reduces confusion for visitors and it protects people and resources during high fire danger,” she said.
Depending on the forecast and the agency responsible, restrictions may cover hiking and riding trails, fire roads, undeveloped and backcountry areas, visitor centres, car parks, organised activities and permitted events. Some public roads, beach areas, roadside overlooks and developed facilities may remain accessible.
Officials warned that not every closed area will be gated or marked, and urged visitors to check the latest conditions with the relevant land manager before travelling to the Santa Monica Mountains.
Joseph T. Edmiston, executive director of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and executive officer of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, said the new system would give the public clearer guidance when fire conditions became exceptionally dangerous.
Hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners, horse riders and other visitors have been told to postpone activities in affected areas until the weather improves. The restrictions could be extended if the Red Flag Warning remains in force.
