Every National Forest In California Is Closing Because Of Wildfire Risk

[ripcord]

Source: NPR

The U.S. Forest Service is closing every national forest in California, citing the extraordinary risk of wildfires and forecasts that show the threat will only remain high or even get worse. The closures start Tuesday night and run through Sept. 17.

More than 6,800 wildfires have already burned 1.7 million acres of national forest land across in California, the Forest Service said, posing a dire threat to people, wildlife and property.

The closures could help in at least two ways: by reducing the number of people in harm's way, and by removing a potential source of ignition for new wildfires.

"We do not take this decision lightly but this is the best choice for public safety," said Regional Forester Jennifer Eberlien. "It is especially hard with the approaching Labor Day weekend, when so many people enjoy our national forests."

Read more: https://www.npr.org/2021/08/31/1032822337/every-national-forest-in-california-is-closing-because-of-wildfire-risk

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They just don't have the firefighters and staff to protect and evacuate the Labor Day crowds.

[calguy]

1. It's a tough decision, but the right one.

[Traildogbob]

2. Too boring for media

Ida was getting in the way and COVID is so yesterday. Biden Bashing is so much more entertaining. War sells, people get very rich. How about those field news folks go stand in the burning forests like they do in hurricanes. May bring attention to the horror our west coast citizens are facing.

[StarryNite]

3. I'm glad they are closing the forests.

[OneCrazyDiamond]

4. This will be great for the wildlife.

It belongs to them anyways.

[ProudMNDemocrat]

5. My sister lives not too far from Mt. Lassen Nat. Forest.

The landscape surrounding her is open fields, farms,, and very dry.

[SWBTATTReg]

6. Good. Keeping the most common cause of fires out of the forests, humans...

[wiggs]

7. Looks like it will take some heroics and/or some luck to save S Lake Tahoe village. I

have camping reservations in Mammoth in late september, national forest. So might be lifted if things improve but won't know until days before our slot.

[ret5hd]

8. Are the National Parks closing/already closed also?

The real crowds are in the National Parks.

[Buckeye_Democrat]

9. That's a strong measure, but a smart one!