Vehicle closure at Panoche, Tumey Hills recreation areas extended due to fire danger

SAN BENITO COUNTY, Calif. (KION) The annual vehicle closure at the Panoche and Tumey Hills recreation areas has been extended to Nov. 13 due to "extreme wildland fire danger."

The Bureau of Land Management said the closure may be lifted sooner if conditions change, but the areas are still open for hiking, hunting and bicycling.

The agency is also reminding visitors that all public lands it manages in central California are under fire restrictions that temporarily ban target shooting and use of open flames due to wildfire danger.

Anyone found guilty of violating the fire prevention order may face a fine of up to $100,000 and/or up to a year in prison. Anyone who sparks a wildfire, either intentionally or unintentionally, may be held liable for fire suppression and repair costs.