Red Flag Warning: Briones, Black Diamond and Morgan Territory among parks closed this week
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA (July 2, 2024) — Many East Bay Regional Parks will remain open for visitors during this week’s increased temperatures. Officials encourage park guests to take special precautions to prepare for the heat while enjoying the open shoreline parks and swimming facilities.
The National Weather Service-Bay Area issued a Red Flag Warning and Excessive Heat Warning for inland East Bay areas and an Excessive Heat Watch for coastal and bayside areas beginning Monday, July 1, at 11 p.m. The Red Flag Warning means to expect dry and windy conditions, leading to extreme fire weather risks.
Due to possible high fire risk, the Park District will close the parks/areas below beginning Tuesday, July 2, through Friday morning (subject to change).
Park Closures:
- Wildcat Canyon
- Tilden (trails only)
- Huckleberry
- Sibley
- Leona Canyon
- Claremont Canyon
- Anthony Chabot
- Sobrante Ridge
- Sunol
- Ohlone
- Mission Peak
- Vargas Plateau
- Five Canyons
- Garin/Dry Creek
- Pleasanton Ridge
- Dublin Hills
- Sycamore Valley
- Bishop Ranch
- Las Trampas
- Briones
- Carquinez/Crockett Hills
- Black Diamond Mines
- Contra Loma
- Deer Valley
- Round Valley
- Morgan Territory
- Brushy Peak
- Vasco Hills
- Vasco Caves
- Waterbird
Parks remaining open
Swim facilities and Shoreline Regional Parks will remain open. Follow these safety rules and tips:
- Avoid the hottest part of the day. If you do visit, go in the morning or early evening when it is cooler.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Wear sunscreen and lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine, which can worsen the heat’s effects on your body.
- Don’t forget your pets! Carry water for them.
- Swim only in designated areas.
- No smoking. Smoking is prohibited in all regional trails, parks, and shorelines.
- No open fires or barbecues of any type. Gas-fueled stoves are permitted.
- Stay on designated roads – no off-road driving. Heat from a vehicle’s undercarriage can start a fire.
- Secure all tow chains – dragging tow chains can spark fires.