King Fire burn area to reopen Saturday

Sections of the Eldorado National Forest that have been off limits because of the King Fire will reopen April 25.

Roadside trees killed in the King Fire that were identified as an immediate threat to public safety have been felled. Further hazard tree assessment will be done as part of the ongoing King Fire Restoration effort.

There are still a few hot spots in the fire area. A recent flight over the fire area using infared technology for heat detection found 11 small spots remaining. Eight of these are in the Rubicon Canyon. Three others are near the fire perimeter. This is not unusual in a fire as large as the King Fire, and these hot spots are being monitored, according the Forest Service.

The public is reminded that permits are required for the collection of mushrooms, firewood and all other forest products. The District Offices at Georgetown and at Pacific will be open on Saturday to accommodate visitors who want to get permits or recreation information.