BLM Initiates Emergency Fire Prevention Closure for Whitewater Canyon, Riverside County
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MORENO VALLEY, Calif. – Effective immediately the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is temporarily closing public land access in and near Whitewater Canyon in Riverside County, due to potentially hazardous fire conditions. Approximately 4,000 acres of BLM-managed public lands are affected by this closure.
"The BLM works to promote public safety, and a wildfire under these conditions with one way access and egress could cause a significant risk to local communities," said Doug Herrema, BLM Palm Springs-South Coast Field Manager. "Severe burning conditions brought on by the hot, dry weather, hazardous fuels and the restricted nature of Whitewater Canyon makes this closure necessary and will remain in effect until fire conditions warrant lifting."
A map and description is posted at the entrance to Whitewater Canyon and available at:
www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/california/fire-restrictions.
Visitors using Whitewater Canyon Road as a means of accessing the Whitewater Preserve are not affected by this closure. Other uses of the canyon are exempted from the closure as specified in the order.
For more information contact: California Desert District Office (951) 697-5200 or Palm Springs-South Coast Field Office (760) 833-7100.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.