Park Agencies Establish Coordinated Closure Protocol for Red Flag Warnings in the Santa Monica Mountains
Santa Monica Mountains at Malibu Creek State Park. Photo from California State Parks.
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New Approach Aims to Reduce Wildfire Risk and Protect Visitors, Neighboring Communities and Public Lands During Dangerous Fire Weather
THOUSAND OAKS – California State Parks, the National Park Service, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy, and Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority have established a coordinated protocol for closing parklands during National Weather Service (NWS) red flag warnings in the Santa Monica Mountains. A coordinated effort will be in effect starting tomorrow, Oct. 15, as the NWS is issuing a Red Flag Warning for Thursday morning through Friday night, with the potential for an extension on Saturday.
Red flag warnings will be in effect for Leo Carrillo, Malibu Creek, Point Mugu and Topanga state parks, and Will Rogers and Santa Susana Pass state historic parks.
The protocol provides a more consistent approach to closures across the network of public lands managed by the four agencies. The goal is to reduce the potential for wildfire ignitions, protect visitors and park resources, and limit the number of people who could require evacuation if a wildfire starts during dangerous fire weather. During extreme conditions, the NWS may designate a red flag warning as a “Particularly Dangerous Situation,” or PDS.
Closure decisions will be based on official forecasts issued by the NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard office. Red flag warnings are issued when weather conditions such as low relative humidity, strong winds or dry lightning combine with dry vegetation to create conditions favorable for rapid fire growth. Agency superintendents and directors will determine which parklands should close based on the geographic extent and severity of each forecast. Decisions will be made daily, with agencies announcing closures the day before whenever possible. If a red flag warning covers only a portion of a day, affected parklands may remain closed for the entire day to provide clear, consistent information to the public and allow agencies to safely manage operations.
“The Santa Monica Mountains are one landscape, even though they are managed by several different agencies,” said Jody Lyle, superintendent of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. “A coordinated approach is important because it reduces confusion for visitors and it protects people and resources during high fire danger."
“Our agencies work together daily to manage parkland and protect open space in the Santa Monica Mountains,” said Joseph T. Edmiston, executive director of the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy and executive officer of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. “This decisive framework for coordinating our decisions and communications during dangerous red flag events will give the public clear direction when wildfire conditions pose an extraordinary risk.”
Closures may include trails, undeveloped and backcountry areas, visitor centers, parking areas, programs, school field trips, volunteer activities and permitted events. Public roads, certain developed parking areas, roadside overlooks, campgrounds and beach areas may remain accessible depending on conditions and the agency managing the property. Specific closures will vary with each red flag warning.
"California State Parks worked closely with our agency partners to develop coordinated red flag protocols,” said Richard Fink, Angeles District superintendent. “When red flag conditions are present, state parks will implement the protocols in coordination with our partners and provide timely public information through website updates, social media, media advisories, and on-site signage. These communications will help visitors understand when conditions may affect access, operations, or activities within impacted state parks and allow them to plan accordingly.”
Not every closed area will be signed or gated. Visitors should check current conditions with the agency managing their destination before traveling to the Santa Monica Mountains during a red flag warning.
During closures, visitors should postpone activities such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding and picnicking in affected areas until conditions improve. Staying out of closed areas during dangerous fire weather reduces the chance of accidental wildfire ignitions and the number of people who may need to be evacuated during an emergency.
Visitors can check current park conditions by visiting Angeles District webpage.
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