California State Parks Closes Due To CZU Lightning Complex

CALIFORNIA—Starting Monday, August 24 thru Monday, August 31, the California Department of Parks and Recreations have been closing parks and beaches in Santa Cruz and San Mateo County due to the ongoing CZU August Lighting Complex.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation explained in a press release that “California State Parks is closing campgrounds in all Santa Cruz and San Mateo County state parks and beaches due to the ongoing CZU August Lightning Complex Fires and out of public safety concerns. The closures will go into effect beginning Monday, Aug. 24-31, 2020. The public is advised not to travel to these counties.”

According to CAL FIRE CZU’s latest update on Twitter, the CZU August Lighting Complex Fires have already burned 81,137 acres, with 21 percent contained as of Wednesday, August 26. A severe lightning storm ignited small wildfires on August 16, and they combined to create the August Lightning Complex on August 19.

The following state beaches are closing until August 31:

• • San Mateo County
    • Half Moon State Beach
  • Santa Cruz County
    • Manresa
    • New Brighton
    • Seacliff
    • Sunset

The following state parks and beaches remain fully closed until further notice:

• • San Mateo County
    • • Ano Nuevo State Park
      • Bean Hollow
      • Butano
      • Pescadero
      • Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park
      • Pomponio
      • Portola Redwoods
      • San Gregorio
  • Santa Cruz County
    • • Big Basin Redwoods SP
      • Castle Rock
      • Henry Cowell Redwoods (including Fall Creek)
      • Natural Bridges
      • Wilder Ranch

Reservation holders for campgrounds will receive a notification from ReserveCalifornia and full refunds. For questions, contact ReserveCalifornia at 800-444-7275 from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PDT, daily.