By Mary O’KEEFE

There is a full closure of the Angeles National Forest due to the Bobcat Fire.

“We are going through another period of hot, dry and extreme fire weather over the next few days as indicated by the red flag warning posted and, as such, the Angeles National Forest is going to a full closure,” said Robert Garcia, fire management officer, ANF. “All picnic areas, campgrounds and developed recreational sites will be closed until further notice on the Angeles National Forest in our effort to preserve resources and prevent any further wildfires.”

ANF spokesman Andrew Mitchell added that Mount Wilson is a “threat point of interest” though it is not in immediate danger; it is estimated to be five miles away from the fire. Firefighters are closely observing the area.

Mitchell said that residents in the area of the Bobcat Fire should be Ready.Set.Go. Ready.Set.Go. is a program initiated by the Los Angeles City Fire Dept. that outlines how residents in wildfire-prone areas can be prepared to react to evacuation orders given by safety personnel. To learn more, visit www.lafd.org/safety/education/ready-set-go.

The Bobcat Fire had forced closures to roads and forced mandatory evacuations in the area served by the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station. Angeles Crest Highway between Mount Wilson Redbox Road and Islip Saddle has been closed. There are mandatory evacuations of all day use areas, camping areas, and residences on Angeles Crest Highway between Mount Wilson Road and Islip Saddle. All of Mount Wilson is also under mandatory evacuation. These areas include Redbox, Mount Wilson, Charlton Flats, Chilao campground and day use area, Buckhorn campground, Jarvi day use area, and Islip Saddle.

All evacuation orders should be followed as the fire has proven to be unpredictable. With the Santa Ana winds, high temperatures and low relative humidity, the fire could experience explosive growth.

In addition, the South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a smoke advisory for residents in the foothill area due to smoke from the Bobcat Fire; the advisory is in effect through Sept. 7.