Former Faubus Farms buildings on Caltrans land lost in Lilac Fire

Some of the structures burned in the Lilac Fire were on property the California Department of Transportation acquired for the widening of State Route 76 and which had not been used since Caltrans obtained the property.

The widening of the state highway from two lanes to four required the acquisition of Fabulous Horse Farm, which was known as Faubus Farms until the facility was purchased in late 2008. The structures were on a remainder parcel not used during the widening of State Route 76, and the buildings had been scheduled for demolition. The remainder parcel will be used as mitigation land for sensitive habitat purposes.

During the fire Caltrans personnel are assisting the California Highway Patrol and firefighting personnel as directed including traffic control. Caltrans is also administering itsquickmap.dot.ca.gov website which notifies the public of road closures.

Motorists are also reminded to travel with caution and to be aware that some intersections with traffic signals may default to flashing red lights (implementing the same rules as for intersections with an all-way stop control) if electrical power is lost to those signals.

When the Lilac Fire is under control Caltrans will assess the damage to Caltrans property and will make whatever repairs are necessary.