Cleveland National Forest Closes Amid Extreme Fire Danger

TEMECULA, CA — Due to extreme and dangerous Valley Fire burning in eastern San Diego County, among several other fires, the U.S. Forest Serviced closed the Cleveland National Forest on Labor Day. The forest is among many other state forest lands that will close to the public 5 p.m. Monday.

The closures will be re-evaluated daily as conditions change, officials said.

The Valley Fire had spread to more than 10,258 acres Monday with 1 percent containment.

Other national forest lands ordered closed include Angeles National Forest, San Bernardino National Forest, Stanislaus National Forest, Sierra National Forest, Sequoia National Forest, Inyo National Forest and Los Padres National Forest.

"The wildfire situation throughout California is dangerous and must be taken seriously. Existing fires are displaying extreme fire behavior, new fire starts are likely, weather conditions are worsening, and we simply do not have enough resources to fully fight and contain every fire," said Randy Moore, regional forester for the Pacific Southwest Region.

#valleyfire 09/07/20 Information map for the Valley Fire pic.twitter.com/GD9WEeT2CG
— Cleveland NF (@ClevelandNF) September 7, 2020

Restrictions were also imposed on national forest lands throughout the state that were not ordered to close.

U.S. Forest Service officials said all ignition sources, such as campfires and gas stoves, will be prohibited across national forest system lands in California.

Developed campgrounds and day-use sites in national forests throughout the state will also be closed until further notice.

—The City News Service contributed to this report.