Fire danger forces Riverside trail closures

MURRIETA Fire Chief John Hawkins ordered the closures earlier this week, prompted by fears that the hot dry weather, coupled with human activity on the trails, could lead to a conflagration.

"We needed to take appropriate action to protect the public by decreasing the potential for fires to start in Riverside County," Hawkins said.

The areas closed are:

• Avery Canyon, (Gibbel Road east of State Street in Hemet)
• North Mountain and Indian Canyon (San Jacinto area)
• Whitewater Canyon (Cabazon, north of Palm Springs)
• Nuevo/Lakeview (east of Menifee Road and San Jacinto Avenue)
• Minto (Sage)
• Reinhardt Canyon (north of Highway 74 and California Avenue in Hemet)
• Ramona Bowl and Bautista Canyon (southeast Hemet)

Cal Fire may close other areas in the near future, based on weather conditions and wildfire threats, Hawkins said.