Lassen NF Temporarily Closes Portion of The Pacific Crest Trail
Incident: Hat Creek Complex Wildfire
Released: 8/7/2009
NEWS
Forest Service
United States
Department of
Agriculture
Lassen National Forest
2550 Riverside Drive
Susanville, CA 96130
Contact: Heidi Perry-McCourt
(530) 252 6604
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, August 7, 2009
LAS 09-35
For TDD assistance, please dial (530) 252-6624.
Lassen NF Temporarily Closes a Portion of the Pacific Crest Trail
Due to Fire Danger
Susanville, CA....The Lassen National Forest is closing a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) through an area that leads into the Hat Creek Fire Complex southeast of Burney along Highways 89 and 44. "We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to gain control of a several large, active fires on the forest" said acting Forest Supervisor Christopher O'Brien. "This temporary closure is to protect public and increase firefighter safety during the ongoing fire suppression operations."
The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is closed north starting from Forest Road 32N12 just off Hwy 44/89 near the Vista Point and Twin Bridges Campground. It reopens again near Baum Lake and Cassel Road just north of the community of Cassel, approximately 2 miles east of the junction of Highway 299 and Highway 89 (a.k.a. Four Corners). Please be advised there is another wildfire under Cal-Fire jurisdiction at the northern end of this PCT closure area. For current fire information on the Cassel Fire call 530-225-2510.
For more forest closure order information see the Lassen website at www.fs.fed.us/r5/lassen for the Pacific Crest Trail and Surrounding Area Closure Order No. 06-09-03, Hat Creek Complex Information line at 530-336-1026 or contact Patrol Captain Mike Zunino at 530-252-6400.
Campground Closures
Hat Creek Recreational Area Campgrounds and Day Use Areas remain closed due to fire activity until damage assessments can be completed. Currently closed are: Hat Creek, Cave, Big Pine, Rocky, Bridge and Honn Campgrounds. Day Use Areas include; Old Station Picnic Area, Bridge Day Use, Subway Cave, Spattercone Trail and Hat Creek Rim Overlook.
Traveling State Highways
Motorists are advised to drive with extreme caution in areas with active fires, due to the fact there are still many fire crews working in the area. Additionally, along Highway 89 and 44, motorists should expect to see minor spot fires adjacent to the roadway and may encounter areas of smoke. Motorists are advised to remain in their vehicles when traveling mountain highways during dangerous fire activity. Wait times can vary, please be prepared to stay in your car. Fire conditions can change rapidly, roadway evacuations will take longer if people and pets are outside their vehicles. During intermittent highway closures traffic is being piloted through areas with on-going fires; watch for rock and logs that are being loosened and falling onto the roadway. Call Cal-Trans Highway Information at 1-800-427-7623 for current road information. California Highway Patrol (CHP) requests hazardous conditions be reported at 530-242-3210.
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