Inyo National Forest Modifies Creek Fire Closure

Based on diminishing. fire activity, the Inyo National Forest is opening the Reds Meadow and Devils Postpile National Monument (Madera County) Closure Area, effective December 7. The Reds Meadow Road is closed at Minaret Vista for the winter. However, the area is open to typical winter access (skis, snowshoes, etc.).

The following closures remain in effect under Forest Order 05-04-52-20-22:

• The portion of the Ansel Adams Wilderness Area and John Muir Wilderness Area as shown on the map (see link above).

Additionally, the Sierra National Forest has an area closure for the Creek Fire. Therefore, the John Muir Wilderness and Ansel Adams Wilderness on the Sierra National Forest, including segments that are administered by the Inyo National Forest, remain closed along the Inyo National Forest boundary. (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7147/ )

These closures remain in effect while the Creek Fire is uncontained along its eastern flank along the Sierra National Forest/ Inyo National Forest boundary. Although the fire area has seen snow, the fire remains at 96% contained and occasional smoke can be observed in the fire perimeter.

• Forest Closure 05-04-51-20-16 remains in effect and closes areas in the southwest of the Golden Trout Wilderness due to the SQF Complex (Castle Fire, https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7048/ ). This closure is also effective for the Rattlesnake Fire, which recently spread onto the Inyo National Forest from Sequoia National Park. This fire started in Sequoia National Park in August. (https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7131/ )
• Forest order 05-04-54-20-15 remains in effect and includes Navy Beach and the South Tufa Area (Beach Fire).

Continued fire activity into December speaks volumes to the dry and long fire year that California has experienced. We appreciate your patience in adhering to these closures that remain in place for public safety.

Wilderness permits will not be issued for areas where closures are in effect. As always, visitors should know before they go and safely plan their trips around areas that have closures, uncontained fires, active fire, and smoke in the area.