Riverside County to Close High-Risk Fire Areas Starting June 15

The Riverside County Board of Supervisors has approved a new fire prevention measure allowing Fire Chief Bill Weiser to temporarily close multiple outdoor areas beginning June 15. The move comes in response to escalating wildfire concerns due to dry, overgrown vegetation in several high-risk zones.

The targeted closures include well-known hiking and recreational spots such as Indian Canyon, Whitewater Canyon, Eagle Canyon, and others. County officials say these areas pose a significant wildfire threat during the summer months. The order exempts public roads and inhabited public areas.

Chief Weiser emphasized that limiting human access to these areas is critical in reducing the risk of human-caused wildfires. “When the vegetation is this dry, even a small spark can lead to a devastating fire,” he stated.

Violators of the closures may face fines beginning at $100. County officials note that the restrictions are temporary and could be lifted earlier depending on weather conditions and the amount of rainfall received over the winter.

The closures are part of Riverside County’s broader effort to protect communities and natural landscapes from increasingly severe wildfire seasons.

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