SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. — The Valley Fire Closure Area will be lifted on today, Thursday, August 30, 2018, San Bernardino National Forest officials have announced. The action, which is officially the termination of Forest Order 12-18-06, effectively reopens all portions of the San Gorgonio Wilderness previously closed due to the Valley Fire, which began on July 6 near the community of Forest Falls, Calif.
While the 1,350-acre fire with 82% containment remains in steep, inaccessible terrain, recent hot spells and dry weather have not produced any new smoke or flame activity. The fire remains in patrol status with full containment expected after the first significant precipitation event of fall or winter. The fire’s cause remains under investigation.
Trails to reopen include San Bernardino Peak, Momyer (pronounced Mo-Meyer) and Foresee Creek, and previously booked permits for overnight camping in the wilderness will remain valid.
Hikers with questions about the reopening can call the Mill Creek Visitor Center at 909-382-2882, Thursdays through Mondays or the forest headquarters at 909-382-2600 Mondays through Fridays. To keep updated on the Valley Fire, check InciWeb, the forest Twitter account and the Valley Fire Updates Facebook group.