REDDING, Calif. July 3, 2009 - Firefighters have effectively contained, controlled or extinguished 10 of the 13 lightning-caused fires reported since July 1 on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Additional firefighting resources are either assisting on the remaining fires or are enroute to provide help as needed.
The Trinity Fire, about seven miles north of Denny in the Trinity Alps Wilderness, is now being reported at between 80 to 100 acres in size. Heavy smoke and poor visibility yesterday led fire managers to believe that the fire was much larger. The fire is staffed with a Type 3 Incident Commander, 100 personnel, one air attack plane, two helicopters with an additional three helicopters ordered.
Crews continue to hold containment lines on the western flank of the Trinity Fire at the ridgeline separating the Shasta-Trinity and Six Rivers National Forests. "The terrain is steep and rocky with lots of snags from the old Megram Fire," said Battalion Chief Jason Ownbey.
Two other active fires on the Forest are the Index and the Eddy Fires. The Index Fire is burning north of the Index Mine in the area of Denny. Smokejumpers and rappellers are working the two acre Index Fire. Smokejumpers are heading into the 1/10th of an acre Eddy Fire which is located about 10 miles west of the town of Mt. Shasta.
Firefighter safety and reducing the smoke impact for nearby communities are some of the priorities fire managers are using to guide their actions as they continue their aggressive attack on these recent fires.
In addition to the recent lightning-caused fires, firefighters have responded to four abandoned campfires in the last two days. Forest spokesperson Jodi Marron urges campers to "keep campfires small and completely extinguish them before leaving camp." She continued, "the best method is to douse the fire with water, stir the ashes and douse again, making sure that all ashes are cold to the touch. Charcoal should be soaked in water after use."
Fire updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
