Fire Impact at county parks

November 17, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                 

CONTACT:  Imee Perius   (213) 738-2963

 

 

LOS ANGELES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION ANNOUNCES PARK CLOSINGS DUE TO FIRES

 

 

Los Angeles –Veterans Memorial Park in Sylmar and Placerita Canyon Nature Center in Newhall remain temporarily closed to the public due to impacts from the Sayre Fire.  El Cariso County Park in Sylmar has suspended its outdoor programming due to poor air quality caused by the fire.

 

Of the impacted parks, Veterans Memorial Park suffered the only severe fire damage, including the complete destruction of a 2,000-square-foot administration building, an adjacent cactus garden, a drawbridge gate and equipment operating the water supply. Restrooms and camping areas also sustained damage. The park is expected to reopen Wednesday morning, November 19.

 

Placerita Canyon Nature Center in Newhall has been closed since Saturday, and fire has twice raged within ¼ mile of park headquarters. Park staff evacuated 48 animals, including hawks, snakes, spiders, mammals and insects, which are housed at the park. The park will remain closed until fire officials indicate that it is safe to reopen.

 

El Cariso Park in Sylmar is open, but poor air quality has dictated the suspension of all outdoor programs. Those programs are expected to resume today, November 18.