Eaton Canyon's hiking and equestrian trails and surrounding areas damaged by the Eaton fire will remain closed at least through the end of the year, with the likelihood of an even lengthier closure, officials announced Thursday.
Want to get caught up on what's happening in SoCal every weekday afternoon? Click to follow The L.A. Local wherever you get podcasts.
The extended shutdown is necessary to protect the public and allow for the recovery of burned wild lands, authorities said.
"Hikers who trespass onto fire-damaged trails can put themselves at risk from unstable terrain, fallen trees or trails that simply no longer exist," Reserve Deputy Sheriff David Chien, team leader of the Altadena Mountain Rescue Team, said in a statement. "Respecting closures is the best way to prevent injuries, being rescued and also helps the land to recover."
Those entering closed areas, sites or trails in the Eaton Canyon Natural Area and the adjacent Angeles National Forest are subject to citations and/or fines. On Angeles National Forest lands, a violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization or imprisonment for not more than six months, according to the U.S. Forest Service.
"The Eaton Fire severely damaged trails and infrastructure, and the long-term closure of Eaton Canyon Natural Area helps keep the public safe and allows nature to heal burned areas," said Norma E. García-González, director of the L.A. County Department of Parks and Recreation.
Other trails are available across the county, and users can find them at the L.A. County Parks site at trails.lacounty.gov.
"We encourage visitors to take this opportunity to explore other areas of the forest this Memorial Day holiday and until the Eaton Canyon area reopens," said Forest Supervisor Roman Torres of the Angeles National Forest.
More information is available on the Angeles National Forest website.
The Eaton Fire started Jan. 7, destroying neighborhoods and scorching more than 14,000 acres. At least 18 people died in the fire, according to Cal Fire.
Follow KNX News 97.1 FM
Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok
