GOLETA, CA - Effectively immediately, Los Padres National Forest officials issued a forest order prohibiting access on the Ojai, Santa Barbara and Mt. Pinos Ranger Districts.. The Thomas Fire is actively burning on multiple ranger districts, with separate flanks of the fire continuing to grow and spread rapidly. This closure is being implemented to provide for public safety and will remain in effect until it is safe to reenter the area. District Ranger Pancho Smith said “We are experiencing unprecedented conditions and fire behavior for this time of year. Our top priority is the safety of the public, adjacent communities, and our firefighters”. The boundary of the Thomas Fire Closure Area begins at the intersection of California Highway 154 and the boundary of the Los Padres National Forest just north of its intersection with Forest Road No. 5N12 (East Camino Cielo Road), then continues northeast along the boundary of the San Rafael and Dick Smith Wilderness Areas. The closure then continues east, south and west along the forest boundary back to the starting point, as shown on Exhibit B. Forest Service law enforcement officers will strictly enforce the closure order, which carries a penalty of $5,000 and/or six months in jail.
