California's national forests will be temporarily closed as wildfires continue to escalate

Due to the severe and ongoing threat of wildfires, the U.S. Forest Service is shutting down all national forests in California. These temporary closures will start on the night of Tuesday, August 31, and last at least until September 17. Such an action by the Forest Service is highly unusual, as they also closed the state's national forests last year during California's most devastating wildfire season on record.

Authorities are left with no option due to limited resources and ideal conditions for fires. Furthermore, recent weather forecasts suggest no immediate relief, with conditions likely to worsen as fall approaches.

This closure occurs right before Labor Day weekend, a time when many would typically spend the holiday outdoors in scenic locations like Sequoia National Forest in the Sierra Nevada or Angeles National Forest near Los Angeles. "This decision was not made lightly, but it is the safest option for the public," said regional forester Jennifer Eberlien in a statement.

Below is a list of the forests that are currently closed:

• Stanislaus National Forest
• Sierra National Forest
• Sequoia National Forest
• Inyo National Forest
• Los Padres National Forest
• Angeles National Forest
• San Bernardino National Forest
• Cleveland National Forest
• Eldorado National Forest
• Klamath National Forest
• Lassen National Forest
• Mendocino National Forest
• Modoc National Forest
• Six Rivers National Forest
• Plumas National Forest
• Shasta-Trinity National Forest
• Tahoe National Forest
• Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit

These closures may aid in combating and controlling the wildfires by minimizing the number of individuals who might get trapped by flames and eliminating potential ignition sources for new wildfires. They also provide some much-needed relief to the state's firefighting resources, which are already overwhelmed due to an extraordinarily busy wildfire season.

According to the Forest Service, 6,800 wildfires have already burned through 1.7 million acres of national forest land in the state. The significant Caldor wildfire is currently active, prompting thousands to evacuate as it approaches this popular area. The resort town of South Lake Tahoe has been evacuated, and it’s anticipated that parts of neighboring Nevada may also need to evacuate.

Last week, Delta Air Lines issued a travel waiver for Reno due to smoky conditions, but this has not been extended into the current week. Delta stated in a press release, "Because of the wildfires near Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO), which have decreased visibility and affected airport operations, Delta has provided a travel waiver to assist customers who may be impacted."

Numerous flights to Reno-Tahoe International Airport were canceled last week, although the fires do not seem to be impacting airports in California or Nevada at this moment.

The closures do not affect Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest, as most of it is located in Nevada.