Single Publication

Park Fire Update: Sunday, September 1, 2024

Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 2

Incident Commander John Truett

Size: 429,603 acres 

Start Date: July 24, 2024

Containment: 96 percent

Total Personnel: 600

Resources: 1 helicopter, 11 crews, 24 engines, 14 dozers, 17 water tenders, 6 masticators, 

27 excavators, 6 feller bunchers, 6 skidsteers

FOREST CLOSURE: Lassen National Forest lands, roads, and trails near the fire are temporarily closed under Forest Order No. 06-24-07. Closed roads are not currently staffed, and the absence of a road-closed sign does not necessarily mean the road is open. Individuals are responsible for knowing where they are in relation to the closure area. We ask that people recreating on public lands observe the closure, allowing firefighters to focus on their already hazardous work and not be further endangered by public vehicle traffic. The forest order, map, and a list of closed roads and trails can be viewed on this Lassen National Forest web page: fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices.

CURRENT SITUATION: For fire personnel to be closer to the work they’re doing on the Lassen National Forest, Southwest CIMT 2 has established an incident command post in Chester and thanks the community for its welcome and assistance in setting up the camp. Suppression repair work continues on many areas of the fire today. The roads group will finish prepping Hogback Road for subsequent heavy-equipment access and move to Ponderosa Way. The hazard-tree group is also working on Ponderosa Way.  

WEATHER & FIRE SAFETY: Sunday will be another hot, dry day around the fire area. However, winds—which have been light for several days—will be stronger, with gusts up to 22 mph expected. These winds are likely to stir up dust and ash within the fire perimeter, creating the illusion of wildfire smoke or the perception that fire activity is increasing. This is most assuredly not the case. In remote areas that remain closed to the public and far from containment lines, firefighters are observing an occasional isolated stump, downed log, or standing tree that is smoldering and generating a small amount of smoke. 

This year’s grass crop in the fire’s vicinity is extremely abundant, dry, and receptive to burning. New fires could spread quickly and be challenging for firefighters to initially contain. During this holiday weekend, the public should be particularly cautious while recreating outside. Know what fire restrictions are in effect for the areas in which you are recreating.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Know before you go! Fire restrictions are in effect within the Lassen National Forest under Forest Order No. 06-24-04. The following activities are not allowed: campfires or stove fires (except in in developed recreation sites listed in the order); smoking outside a vehicle or building; welding or using an acetylene or other torch with an open flame; using any internal or external combustion engine without a spark arresting device. The Forest Order can be viewed here: fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices. Find links to other land management agencies’ fire restrictions in the Park Fire Information Linktree (URL and QR code below).

Park Fire Information (Southwest CIMT 2): 530-414-9298  | 2024.park@firenet.gov                         

Park Fire Information (CAL FIRE): 530-529-9233

Park Fire Linktree (fire information website links): linktr.ee/park_fire