Bobcat Fire: Angeles National Forest Reopens; 90% Containment

LOS ANGELES, CA — Much of the Angeles National Forest reopened Saturday as the once devastating Bobcat Fire was contained to 90 percent. Emergency closure orders expired Friday night as crews worked to mop up the blaze that burned 115,800 acres.

Some popular trails and recreational trails reopened after months of closure due to the massive wildfire. Crews were actively mopping up around the Mt. Wilson and Juniper Hills area Saturday and residents may see some smoke lingering in the area.

"The (U.S. Forest Service) emergency closure order for the Angeles National Forest expired last night," ANF officials tweeted on Friday morning, "Much of the ANF reopens today, Oct 9. Please note: BURN ZONES remain CLOSED for public safety, fire recovery & restoration. THANK YOU for your patience & understanding!"

Full closure details are available on the Angeles National Forest's website.

Los Angeles County Assessor Jeff Prang also reminded property owners affected by wildfires that they may be eligible for tax relief.

"The recent spate of wildfires have caused significant damage and devastating losses," Prang said in a statement issued Friday. "I want to remind property owners that you may be eligible for property tax relief that could save you money on your taxes as you move forward."

By filing a claim for "Misfortune & Calamity" relief within one year of an incident, properties that sustained a minimum of $10,000 in damage — or were destroyed entirely — may be eligible for a refund of taxes already paid, along with lower annual tax bills until the property is repaired or rebuilt, Prang said.

He added that his office is working with fire department officials across various jurisdictions to identify which properties and residents are affected.

"My dedicated team is ready to offer assistance at a moment's notice, and has a designated hotline specifically for guiding property owners through the claim submission process," Prang said.

Claim forms for Misfortune & Calamity relief can be accessed by calling the Disaster Relief Hotline at 213-974-8658; or online by clicking here; or via social media @LACAssessor.

Also, residents may receive information through the county's general information phone number of 211; or online by clicking here.

The City News Service contributed to this report.

#BobcatFire Overnight, there was minimal fire activity and we saw no change in acreage or containment. Single trees inside the interior torched near Mt. Wilson. Today, helicopters will be working in the area to continue putting out hotspots. pic.twitter.com/M1GPtZPUUQ
— Angeles_NF (@Angeles_NF) October 10, 2020