Lassen National Forest is reopening for business as firefighters gain the upper hand on fires that have scorched thousands of acres across the district. Many campgrounds near fire areas are ready for use just in time for the busy last weekends of summer leading up to Labor Day.
Officials reopened the woods for recreation, woodcutting and other forest visitation, with the exception of the area within the Bald and Eiler fires.
Big Pine, Hat, Cave, Rocky and Bridge campgrounds, Old Station and Bridge day use areas and Subway Cave are now open.
The Honn Campground on Highway 89 received minimal fire damage and remains closed.
Fisherman’s Trail, connecting Bridge, Rocky, and Cave campgrounds on the west side of Highway 89 are also open, however the access road with the concrete bridge, a quarter mile north of Cave Campground, leading to the Fisherman’s Trail and Cave dispersed area, remains closed.
The highways and forest roads are open, with exception of those roads within the closure area.
Forest officials would like to remind visitors that fire restrictions remain in place across the forest. You may view Fire Restrictions and Forest Closure orders on the Forest web page located at http://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices or at any Lassen National Forest office.
Highway 89 Safety Precautions Advised
Although road closures have been lifted on Highway 89, firefighters continue to work in close proximity to the road. Officials are asking drivers to please exercise extreme caution while traveling on Highway 89.
Drivers are asked to slow down and remain watchful of fire personnel and equipment working in the area. The California Highway Patrol is enforcing safe driving regulations for that area.
Final Numbers for Lightning-Sparked Fires
The Eiler Fire, four miles southeast of Burney, has burned 32,078 acres on the Lassen National Forest and adjacent lands. Containment is now at 45 percent, with full containment projected for August 20th. The 1,874 personnel assigned to the fire will work to hold and improve the perimeter.
Eiler Fire information is available at (530) 225-2510 or online at www.inciweb.nwcg.gov.
The Bald Fire, southeast of Fall River Mills, has burned 39,926 acres, and containment has increased substantially to 95 percent. The fire is now fully contained and the more than 900 personnel assigned will improve fireline and conduct mop-up operations.
Bald Fire information is available at (530) 336-6553 or online at www.inciweb.nwcg.gov.
The Day Fire, located northeast of Fall River Mills, is 13,153 acres and is now 85 percent contained, with full containment expected by Sunday afternoon. Mop-up operations continue as some 1,300 personnel remain assigned to the fire.
Day Fire information is available at (530) 638-3614 or online at www.cdfdata.fire.ca.gov.
