North End of Canebrake Road Temporarily Closed to Protect Public Safety
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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Canebreak/Chimney Peak Road is temporarily closed to the public to protect public safety. The closure is in effect from Chimney Creek Campground north to the intersection with Nine Mile/Kennedy Meadows Road. Chimney Creek campground is open, with the exception of campsites 1-5, and drinking water is available for Pacific Crest Trail hikers.
Canebrake Road and the east-facing slope of Chimney Peak were severely burned in the recent Chimney Fire. There is a high potential for mudslides onto the road when it rains. BLM resource specialists are currently assessing damage and working on emergency stabilization of the slope. The public is asked to respect the closure of Canebreak Road for their safety and to be aware of the potential for mudslides and flooding in the Chimney Fire vicinity. Violators of the closure may be subject to a $1,000 fine and/or imprisoned for up to 12 months.
"We hope to be able to re-open Canebreak Road shortly," said Becca Brooke, associate field manager for the BLM Bakersfield Field Office. "Our road crew is working on cleaning out the road culverts and we are assessing ways to stabilize the slope and make the area safe for the public."
The Chimney Fire was reported to the Bureau of Land Management on June 1 in the area of Chimney Peak Campground. The fire burned approximately 1,300 acres of public land and is now 100% contained. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
For more information, contact the Bakersfield Field Office at (661) 391-6000.
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.