October 31, 2025 - Clovis, Calif. – The Sierra National Forest will reopen the vast majority of the areas affected by the 2025 Garnet Fire beginning October 31, 2025, following the termination of the emergency closure order, No. 05-15-52-25-17.
While over 99% of the fire area will once again be accessible to the public, visitors should be aware that conditions remain hazardous at many locations, and access should be pursued with both caution and preparedness. While the Sierra National Forest staff is equally interested in restoring this public access, do be aware that numerous hazards will remain, while Forest Service staff and our contractors continue to respond to hazard trees, unstable slopes, and damaged roads. Please be cautious if you enter this area. Particular caution should be taken during predicted inclement weather, to include high winds, and consideration should be given to rescheduling your visit during these periods.
“I know how important these lands are to our local communities and visitors,” said Dean Gould, Forest Supervisor for the Sierra National Forest. “Access to these lands for both stakeholders and the public at large continues to be a top priority, fulfilling our Forest Service mission. While the area is now open, it’s important that visitors are aware of the conditions they’ll encounter. These are still post-fire landscapes — dynamic, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous.”
Infrastructure that will need to remain closed due to excessive risk includes Black Rock
Rd./11S12 (bridge needs significant repair, closed from the intersection with 11S02 to
McKinley Grove Rd./11S40), Black Rock Campground (managed by PG&E), as well as the Sawmill Flats Campground and Ross Crossing Camping area. These specific locations will be added to the Recreation Site, Road and Trail Closure Forest Order, No. 05-15-00-25-18.
Post-fire suppression efforts to date and going forward include; a robust month-long suppression repair response, a log deck sale occurring on 17 October (Dinkey Creek and McKinley Grove roads), a restructuring of the multi-million dollar “Gigantea” contract awarded in 2024 and partially completed, to address changed conditions around the McKinley Grove, development of a hazard tree response contract as a part of the Garnet incident to address an estimated 3 million board feet of hazard trees along Mckinley Grove Road, and an additional 20+ million board feet on other fire affected roads, and lastly (and in parallel with the other efforts), an additional hazard tree contract to address another 50+million board feet across the fire area is in development.
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead, check the latest weather conditions, and observe all posted hazard signage in reopened areas. For more information or media inquiries, please contact Benjamin Cossel Public Affairs Officer, Benjamin.Cossel@usda.gov 209.732.8189
Source: SNF
