Dan Ostman
Large burn pile is beginning to burn.
Current Activity-October 21, 2009
Lassen Volcanic National Park successfully implemented the Crescent Prescribed Fire Project October 11-12, 2009. Total acreage for the two day period was approximately 1,119 acres. There are approximately 180 acres left to burn on this project. The prescribed fire operation coordinated air and ground ignition operations for two days to accomplish this project. A winter like storm which was predicted for late Monday and Tuesday arrived to enhance holding objectives. Lassen Volcanic National Park fire crews have beeen monitoring the fire. The fire crew is also manually thinning and piling trees in the Manzanita Lake area for future prescribed fire projects.
The Manzanita Creek trail has reopened.
Current Activity-October 9, 2009
Lassen Volcanic National Park plans to burn the Crescent Prescribed Fire on Sunday, October 11, 2009. Ignition operations should require two days. The entire project consists of three units totaling 1,847 acres. Park crews completed burning 551 acres last July after an unusual wet and cool spell in June. Fire management staff plans to burn the remaining 1,296 acres. The Manzanita Creek Trail will be closed for public and fire fighter safety during the ignition operation until further notice.
Current Activity-September 14, 2009
Lassen Volcanic National Park fire staff continues to patrol and monitor the Fairfield Fire. All previous trails closed due to fire operations have been reopened.
Current Activity-August 20, 2009
Smoke output is very minimal today. The Type III helicopter will fly the IC trainee around the fire this afternoon to make one last reconnaissance over the fire to confirm that everything is secure before releasing the helicopter from the incident.
The trail from Lower Twin Lake to Cinder Cone via Rainbow Lake remains closed. The trail from Rainbow Lake to Snag Lake is also still closed. It is anticipated that these trails should open within the next 2-3 days. Please call the Kohm Yah-mah-nee Visitor Center for current information at (530)595-4480 daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Current Activity-August 19, 2009
Pt. Reyes National Seashore, Rocky Mountain National Park, Sequioa and Kings Canyon Nationl Parks and Firestorm fire crews have all been released from the fire.
The trail running along the west shore of Snag Lake from the Rainbow Lake trail junction going north to the Cinder Cone has been reopened.
Smoke output has been greatly reduced. Fire fighters will continue to patrol, monitor and mop up the fire until it is completely out.
Current Activity-August 18, 2009
The ignitions are complete in the planning area of the Fairfield Fire. Fire fighters are monitoring and holding the fire around the perimeter. The final acreage is approximately 1,664 acres. The PCT from Lower Twin to the Nobles Emigrant Trail has been reopened. We expect to open the remaining trails within 2-3 days. There will be a significant decline in smoke output as the week progresses.
Current Activity-August 17, 2009
Fire fighters are continuing to make progress with containment lines completely around the Fairfield Fire. The fire has grown slowly over the last two days and is approximately 1,650 acres. Primary ignition operations are complete and fire fighters will be monitoring and holding the fire until it is completely out.
The trail from Lower Twin Lake through the Cluster Lakes to Silver Lake has reopened. This allows hikers access to the popular Twin Lakes/Cluster Lakes loop. The Nobles Emigrant Trail between Cinder Cone and the PCT is open. All other trails remain closed for public and fire fighter safety.
Current Activity-August 15, 2009
The Fairfield Fire has grown from 1,000 to 1,500 acres during the last 24 hours. This growth is primarily due to hand ignitions and aerial ignitions in the late afternoon. Smoke is being pushed to the north and northeast toward unpopulated areas.
The trail from Lower Twin Lake through the Cluster Lakes to Silver Lake has been closed today for public and fire fighter safety. As a result the new reroute of the Pacific Crest Trail from Silver Lake goes west to the Bear Lakes, Echo Lake, Upper Twin Lake and reconnects the Pacific Crest Trail at Lower Twin Lake.
Current Activity-August 14, 2009
The Fairfield Fire has grown from 800 acres to approximately 1000 acres during the last 24 hours. This growth is primarily due to ignition operations including aerial ignitions yesterday in the late afternoon. A limited Type 2 helicopter, Firestorm Crew 1 (20) and the Grass Wildland Fire Module (10 USFS) has arrived and is now assisting with the fire.
Current Activity-August 13, 2009
Additional trail closures are being implemented due to an approximate 25 acre spot fire across the eastern flank of the Fairfield fire.
New trail closures include the trail from Rainbow Lake to Snag Lake. The trail going north along the west shore of Snag Lake adjacent to the Painted Dunes to the Cinder Cone Trail.
Current Activity-August 12, 2009
The trail system which confines the fire is closed for public and fire fighter safety. The trails are the Nobles Emigrant Trail from the Cinder Cone to the PCT, the PCT from the Nobles Emigrant Trail to Lower Twin Lakes and the trail connecting Rainbow Lake to the Cinder Cone.
The current acreage of the fire is approximately 900 acres due primarily from ground ignition operations. The fire staff would like to finish ignition operations by the weekend and hold and monitor thereafter.
Current Activity-August 11, 2009
The trail between Rainbow Lake and the Cinder Cone has been closed due to fire management activities on the Fairfield Fire.
Current Activity-August 10, 2009
Lassen Crew Seven, the fuels crew, are now engaged on the Fairfield Fire. The Los Padres twenty person crew will be leaving on August 11, 2009 in the evening. Additional fire crews from Sequoia and Kings National Parks and Whiskeytown NRA will be arriving on August 12, 2009 to help manage the Fairfield Fire. The fire is estimated to be approximately 100 acres.
Fire crews are planning to conduct ground ignition operations near Fairfield Peak this afternoon and evening. Firing operations will become more expansive as the week progresses. Aerial ignitions are planned for later in the week.
The fire is being managed for multiple objectives including allowing fire to remove excessive vegetation which has accumulated unnaturally, improving forest health and enhancing wildlife habitat. In addition fire crews will be protecting cultural resources including the historic Lower Twin Lake Ranger Station. The park will continue to provide recreational opportunities by allowing visitors access to popular trails where possible.
Current Activity-August 6, 2009
Park fire crews are actively managing two natural fires for forest health and natural resource benefits. An infrared flight which occurred during the evening of August 5, 2009 in conjunction with the adjacent Hat Creek Complex Fires on the Lassen National Forest, maps the Fairfield Fire in the park at 88 acres.
Current Activity-August 4, 2009
Park fire crews with the assistance of fire crews from Pt. Reyes National Seashore and Rocky Mountain National Park are actively managing two wildland fires for the benefit of natural resources. These two fires were detected after a significant lightning storm came through the area on Sunday, August 2, 2009.
The Fairfield Fire located on the northeast side of Fairfield Peak is approximately 14 acres. This fire has moderate potential for growth. Fire managers have identified a planning area which includes a maximum size of approximately 1,000 acres. The Sunflower Fire located southeast of Sunflower Flat in a rocky ridge of large boulders has little potential for growth and is currently 2/10 of an acre.
The Kelly Fire has been declared out. Fire crews continue to monitor and patrol the Crescent Prescribed Fire.
Current Activity-July 23, 2009
Park fire crews successfully contained the Kelly fire, a human caused wildfire at .75 acres with the help of multiple aircraft, USFS and Cal Fire personnel on Tuesday, July 21, 2009. While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation it is located just inside the park boundary along the trail that runs from Willow Lake to Terminal Geyser. Fire crews remain on the incident mopping the fire up and patrolling it until it is declared out.
Fire crews continue to patrol the Crescent Prescribed Fire which is showing little activity as it continues to burn in the interior. Park staff are looking at the Crags Lake Trail to determine if and when it is safe to reopen.
Current Activity-July 14,2009
Lassen Volcanic National Park's fire crew 7 and engine 76 continue to monitor, patrol and mop up the Crescent Prescribed Fire. Smoke production has dropped off dramatically and the project has produced some excellent fire effects.
Current Activity-July 9, 2009
Fire crews successfully ignited the 550 acre unit of the Crescent Prescribed fire yesterday. Sixty-five firefighters on the ground organized into two divisions coordinated with the aerial ignition team to complete the project. Some of the crews and overhead will be released today. Fire crews will continue to patrol and monitor the fire until it is completely out. Wind dispersion was excellent pushing the smoke to the northeast away from the Manzanita Lake developed area. The park's Fire Education Specialist and members of the interpretive staff at the Loomis Museum joined together to provide timely and accurate information to the public throughout the day while smoke was visible in the area. Approximately 175 park visitors were contacted at the museum and campground. Fire education/information efforts will continue while there is smoke in the area.
Current Activity-July 6, 2009
Fire Management staff is planning to ignite the Crescent Prescribed Fire on Wednesday, July 8th or Thursday, July 9th depending on weather conditions. The Crescent Prescribed fire was postponed due to the July 4th Holiday weekend. The project is located near the Manzanita Lake developed area between the Manzanita Creek trail and the Chaos Crags. The prescribed fire encompasses approximately 550 acres. The entire project is divided into three units which total 1,847 acres. Park staff plans to burn the remaining units in the fall to mitigate smoke impact to park visitors.
Current Activity-June 18, 2009
Due to recent cool, wet weather the implementation of the Crescent Prescribed Fire is being delayed until sometime late June or early July. Weather forecasts indicate that the next several days will be warmer and drier allowing the area to become available for burning and achieving the desirable resource objectives.
Current Activity-June 16, 2009
Lassen Volcanic National Park plans to ignite the 550 acre unit of the Crescent Prescribed Fire on Friday, June 19, 2009. Recent cool, wet weather has prohibited the park staff from implementing the project. A warming and drying trend leading into the weekend should provide a window of opportunity to conduct the one day ignition operation on Friday. Ground and aerial ignition techniques will be employed to ignite the project.
Later in the weekend a low pressure trough should push smoke to the southeast away from the Manzanita Lake developed area.
Fire crews will be monitoring and containing the fire until it is completely out.
Current Activity-May 19, 2009
Lassen Volcanic National Park completed the 20 acre Loomis Prescribed Fire near the Manzanita Lake developed area on Friday, May 15, 2009. Fire crews will continue to patrol and monitor it until it is completely out.
Lassen Volcanic National Park plans to initiate the Crescent Prescribed Fire Project sometime between May 26th and June 20th. The entire project consists of three units totaling 1,847 acres. Park Fire Management is planning to ignite approximately 551 acres of the overall project this spring and complete the remaining project area during Fall. "The park intends to burn gradually to lessen smoke impacts to park visitors and the public," stated Superintendent Darlene Koontz.
Current Activity-January 26, 2009
On January 23, 2009 fire staff completed burning two large burn piles totaling approximately 1/4 acre. One pile is located near the ball field in Mineral Headquarters and the other is located in the north section of the park in summer town.
Current Activity-October 27, 2008
Fire staff has completed the Butte Lake Prescribed Fire for a total of 265 acres. Crews are actively mopping up and securing the boundaries. With some anticipated moisture due around October 31-November 1 crews should have this project in patrol status and be able to begin pile burning near Manzanita Lake.
Current Activity-October 17, 2008
Fire staff completed the Loomis/Manzanita Lake Prescribed Fire on October 13-14, 2008. Total acreage is 76 acres.
Fire management staff is currently gearing up for the Butte Lake Prescribed Fire in the northeast corner of the park. This project is scheduled for sometime after October 20th conditions permitting. This prescribed fire is located immediately north of Butte Lake between Butte Creek and the Park/Forest boundary and consists of 258 acres.
Fire Management Accomplishments 2009
Prescribed Burning
Loomis Blocks Rx 89 acres
Butte Lake Rx 265 acres
Crescent Block A Rx 533 acres
Flume Piles 30 acres
Misc. Park Piles 41 acres
Manual Fuels Treatment
Loomis Block C thinning 40 acres
Loomis Block C piling 40 acres
Manual Fuels Treatment Contracts
Lava Roadside fuel break 20 acres
Lava road side FB piling 20 acres
Wildfire
Support Actions 13
Suppression in Park 3 1 acre
Managed Wildland Fire 1 1,165 acres
