Forest Service Reduces Zaca Fire Closure

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Forest Service Reduces Zaca Fire Closure

Los Padres National Forest

CONTACT: Kathy Good (805) 961-5759 www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres

Zaca Fire Information Center (805) 961-5770
Date: August 29, 2007

Forest Service Reduces Zaca Fire Closure

GOLETA, CA…Some areas within Los Padres National Forest east of Highway 33 that were previously closed to public entry because of the Zaca Fire will be reopened on August 30, the Forest Service announced today.

The revised emergency closure will encompass all national forest lands between Highway 166 and Highway 33. On the east side of Highway 33, the Pine Mountain Road (aka Reyes Peak Road and Forest Road 6N06), and all recreation facilities along the road will remain closed, as will the Boulder Canyon Trail (Forest Trail 23W03) between Pine Mountain Road and the Forest Service Station at Ozena. The closure affects approximately 663,435 acres of the 1.76 million-acre national forest.

The temporary closure is needed for public and firefighter safety. While the Zaca Fire is nearing full containment, it will be at least several weeks before the fire is completely controlled. In addition, firefighters and heavy equipment will continue to work in the general fire area putting out remaining hotspots and rehabilitating firelines.

The closure prohibits all public entry to national forest lands, trails, roads and recreation sites within the designated area. It does not apply to private land within or adjacent to the national forest. The closure will be in effect until further notice. A detailed description and map are available at Forest Service offices and on-line at http://www.inciweb.org and http://www.fs.fed.us.r5/lospadres .

Forest visitors are reminded that fire restrictions remain in effect throughout Los Padres National Forest. These restrictions prohibit the use of wood or charcoal fires in all areas; limit the use of gas-type stoves to designated Campfire Use Sites with a California Campfire Permit; prohibit recreational target shooting except at the Winchester Gun Club and Ojai Valley Gun Club; and limit smoking to buildings, enclosed vehicles and Campfire Use Sites.

The Zaca Fire started on July 4, and has burned approximately 240,207 acres. It is currently 95 percent contained with full containment expected by September 4.

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Wednesday, August 29, 2007