On a very hot July 23, 2018, the Carr Fire began near the intersection of Highway 299 and Carr Powerhouse Road. Visitors observe the beginning of the fire from a normally scheduled ranger-led paddleboard tour. NPS Photo.
Park staff and partners including but not limited to CalFire and the U.S. Forest Service responded rapidly to the fire. Bureau of Land Management Photo.
Numerous resources were called out to fight the fire including this firefighting helicopter. Airplanes were also deployed to drop fire retardent. Bureau of Land Management Photo.
To protect human lives, firefighters carried out evacuation orders in small communities near the fire, including French Gulch. They also worked hard to save as many homes and buildings as possible. U.S. Forest Service Photo.
On the evening of July 25, due to continued extreme heat and especially the occurance of extreme evening wind, the Carr Fire developed extreme fire behavior. The fire expanded rapidly, especially to the east. The fire plume was observed creating its own lightning. By 10:30 pm, all of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area and the town of Shasta was evacuated. CalFire Photo.
Carr Fire plume as seen from Weaverville, approximately 20 miles west. Bureau of Land Management Photo.
