Tourism Prevails as SoCal Wildfires Rage

A trio of wildfires ringing Los Angeles has caused immense devastation and hot Santa Ana winds have made the fires even more formidable. Visitors to the Los Angeles area and further north in Santa Barbara County can expect slow traffic on the highways in the areas hardest hit. The fires, which have burned since last Thursday from Santa Barbara to Los Angeles and counties to the east, have raged over more than 55 square miles, destroying more than 800 houses, mobile homes and apartments.

LA Inc is reporting that the Sayre fire in the San Fernando Valley is north of many of L.A's tourist attractions. Visitors heading in the vicinity of the fire should expect delays, with intermittent road closures depending on the status of the fire. Currently, 40 percent of the fire has been contained, although air quality in the Chino Valley is reported to be poor. LA Inc reports that the attractions in the vicinity of the fires are open for normal operations, although they advise tourists to call ahead to see if any road closures will affect their visit.

The fires in Santa Barbara County and Orange County north of Los Angeles are currently 40 percent contained. The Santa Barbara Zoo, the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History all had closures last week, but these venues are now open.

Visit Orange County Fire Authority, www.montecitofire.com and www.fire.lacounty.gov or call 800-439-2909 for more information.