The Creek Fire has caused closures for portions of the Angeles National Forest south of Santa Clarita after its fire danger level updated to “extreme.”

Fire restrictions are now in effect throughout the forest, and officials are warning campers that they can have no campfires or open flames and cannot barbecue or grill in the forest.

All forest service roads and trails within the closure area are inaccessible until further notice, officials said Thursday. Other temporary closures may occur due to ongoing power restoration efforts.

Photo Courtesy of Forest Service Angeles National Forest.

Forest supervisor Jeffrey Vail ordered the closure of approximately 21,000 acres of the forest within and surrounding the Creek Fire perimeter on Thursday, according to a press release.

Creek Fire Closure Area Map

The agency manages 193 million acres of public land, provides assistance to state and private landowners, and maintains the largest forestry research organization in the world, according to forest service officials.

Those same lands provide 20 percent of the nation’s clean water supply, a value estimated at $7.2 billion per year, according to the forest service.

The Creek Fire, which began on Dec. 5, spread to 15,619 acres and is now 98 percent contained.

Related: Southern California Fires: Rye Fire, Creek Fire Nearly Extinguished While Thomas Fire Grows

About 80 percent of the burned area impacted Angeles National Forest lands.

Forest officials urge the public to use caution when driving in and around the area since fire crews and equipment remain present.

For more information about the Angeles National Forest, visit their website here.  

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