Business & Tech

Extreme Fire Danger Closes Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Wind gusts between 60 to 70 mph are expected in the area through Sunday, with single-digit humidity and warmer-than-average temperatures.

The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area was closed to the public Friday due to extreme fire danger conditions from Santa Ana winds and low humidity.

Wind gusts between 60 to 70 mph are expected in the area through Sunday, with single-digit humidity and warmer-than-average temperatures, according to the National Weather Service.

This is the most extreme wildfire threat the area has seen in years, forecasters said.

"Anticipate that protection measures for extreme fire danger at Park sites may be lifted Monday morning," said National Park Service Ranger Kate Kuykendall, who took a break from furlough to send out the message. "The closure of all NPS sites due to the government shutdown will remain in effect until rescinded by the Director, NPS."

The areas owned by the National Park Service were already closed due to the federal government shutdown. 


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