Angeles National Forest reopens, thanks to rain

Closure could be put back into effect if dry conditions return, official warns.

By Janine Marnien
News-Press

November 9 2002

ANGELES NATIONAL FOREST -- The first rain storm of the season did more than drench Southern California residents and cause traffic delays Friday -- it got Angeles National Forest reopened.

The storm poured more than an inch of rain onto the dry forest grounds, enough to reduce the extreme fire danger posed earlier this year, spokeswoman Kathy Peterson said.

"We got rain across the forest and predictions of some more on the way," she said. "That's the kind of condition they were waiting for."

The forest will remain open unless dry conditions return, she added. Forest officials would reevaluate the need to close the forest at that time.

Angeles National Forest was closed Sept. 24 due to extreme fire danger, after two major fires devastated portions of the forest. The Williams Fire burned more than 38,100 acres north of Azusa, and the Curve Fire burned more than 20,800 acres along Highway 39 in September.

The news of the reopened forest got an "Amen!" from at least one outdoor enthusiast -- Mike Leum, La Crescenta resident and member of the Montrose Search and Rescue Team.

"It was closed for fire danger, but our feeling was it really wasn't the campers or hikers setting these fires," he said. "So it was a little bit frustrating being denied access."

The team is prepared for any need that might arise now that the forest is reopen, he added.

Glendora Mountain and Glendora Ridge Road are closed, and the forest closure for the burned area of the Stables, Bouquet and Copper fires remains in effect through Sept. 2.