Also, here is the official press release. Note South Coast Ridge Rd is closed to Chalk Peak as well.
GOLETA, Calif. – Los Padres National Forest officials today issued a forest order closing the Mill Fire area on the Monterey Ranger District to the public effective tomorrow, August 4. Forest Service law enforcement officers will strictly enforce the closure order, which carries a penalty of $5,000 and/or six months in jail. The order will expire when the Mill Fire is fully contained and controlled.
The emergency road closure of the Nacimiento-Fergusson Road (Forest Road 22S01) begins at its intersection with State Highway 1, in the eastern edge of Section 26, Township 22 South, Range 4 East, Mount Diablo Base and Meridian, then continues east for approximately 16 miles to the Los Padres Forest Boundary at Fort Hunter Liggett at the northwest corner of Section 32, Township 22 South, Range 6 East and as shown on the attached map (Exhibit B).
The emergency road closure of Central Coast/Cone Peak Road (Forest Road 20S05.3) begins at its intersection with North Coast Ridge Trail (Forest Trail 3E10) in the northwest corner of Section 1, Township 22 South, Range 4 East, then continues southeast 6.6 miles to its intersection with Nacimiento-Fergusson Road in the southwest corner of Section 17, Township 22 South, Range 5 East.
The emergency road closure of South Coast Road (Forest Road 20S05.4) begins at its intersection with Nacimiento-Fergusson Road in the northwest corner of Section 20, Township 22 South, Range 5 East and continues southeast approximately three miles to where the pavement ends near Chalk Peak in the center of Section 28, Township 22 South, Range 5 East.
The emergency trail closure of Kirk Creek Trail (Forest Trail 4E21) begins at its intersection with State Highway 1, in the northeast quarter of Section 26, Township 22 South, Range 4 East and follows northeast for approximately 7.5 miles to its intersection with Central Coast/Cone Peak Road in Section 7, Township 22 South, Range 5 East.
The emergency trail closure of Mill Creek Trail (Forest Trail 5E12) starts at its intersection with Nacimiento-Fergusson Road in Section 25, Township 22 South, Range 4 East and continues three miles to its intersection with Central Coast/Cone Peak Road) in Section 20, Township 22 South, Range 5 East.
Dispersed campfires are strictly forbidden in Los Padres National Forest. Violators face a $5,000 fine and/or six months in jail and may also be liable for paying restitution for fire suppression costs—which can run into millions of dollars—for a wildfire started by an illegal campfire.
###Los Padres closure order bars public from Mill Fire area
Kate, what’s the average daily use of these roads and trails in this partial closure zone?
As far as I know, there has been no official count, so anything would be pure speculation.
Since the Soberanes Fire a few years ago and the closure of the Pine Ridge Trail, Vicente Flat Camp on the Kirk Creek Trail has become a go-to destination for both backpackers and day hikers. I was at the trailhead on Thursday and spoke with a half dozen would-be hikers whose intention had been Vicente Flat. We steered them south, to Cruickshank Camp in the Silver Peak Wilderness. But there’s no question that these trails are very well used.
You. Could also direct them to Salmon Creek, a few miles further south, if you want.
I guess the prudent thing for hikers/campers these days would be for them to check the area on a website to make sure there aren’t any fires! Fires are the new normal, especially this area. I hope the fines are a real thing and strickly enforced.
Anyone have a lead on the white van with a tail light out that I hear was in the area just before the fire broke out?
What do you make of the new signs at the bottom of Plaskett rd. one says “no camping per Monterey County 14.18.020”, described here:
14.18.020 – Camping prohibited on public property.
A. No person shall camp in the right-of-way of State Highway One between the Carmel River and the Monterey-San Luis Obispo County Line at any time. B. No person shall camp between the hours of six p.m. and six a.m. on any: 1. Public road, or 2. Public property, except when the public property is expressly designated and posted for overnight camping.
Seems harsh to ban camping along the Plaskett rd.