Lassen Volcanic National Park Ready to Ignite GR II Prescribed Burn

Date: October 27, 2006
Contact: Marty O’Toole, [phone], ext. 5162

Lassen Volcanic National Park Ready to Ignite GR II Prescribed Burn

During the week of Oct. 22-28 depending on weather conditions, Lassen Volcanic National Park staff will ignite a prescribed fire unit of approximately 1300 acres south of West Prospect Peak along the northern boundary of the park.  Ignition will occur over a 2-3 day period. The fire will likely smolder for 2-3 weeks, and will be actively patrolled during that time. The project is bounded on the north and west by the Nobles Emigrant/Pacific Crest Trail and lies near lands administered by the Lassen National Forest. The following trails will be closed during ignition operations:

1.) Pacific Crest Trail as it meets the Nobles  Emigrant just west of Butte Lake

2.) Trail going north from Silver Lake on the Cluster Lakes Loop

3.) Nobles Emigrant Trail at the end of the Hat Creek in-holders road

4.) Pacific Crest Trail at the intersection of Forest RD 32N42Y.

Approximately 60 fire management staff will be on hand to conduct ignitions and hold the prescribed fire. Fire crews from Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park, Lava Beds National Monument, northern California BLM and Whiskeytown National Recreation Area are coming to assist with the burn. “It is necessary that we share fire staff with other parks in order to implement these prescribed fire projects. When a window of opportunity shuts down in one park another is likely to open elsewhere. We hope all the necessary conditions are met so we can implement the project during this week,” stated Superintendent Mary G. Martin.  Crews will monitor the fire through the weekend.

The prescribed fire program at Lassen Volcanic National Park uses prescribed fire, where appropriate, for restoration of fire-adaptive ecosystems and for species-specific resource management goals. Prescribed fire projects are conducted in a manner consistent with park and prescribed fire plans. "Fire used as a tool will help decrease risks to life, property and it will help perpetuate the natural resource values of Lassen Volcanic National Park," said Superintendent Martin.

For more information, please contact the park at [phone] or for TDD at [phone], Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. or visit the park website at www.nps.gov/lavo.