Final News Release: Rush Fire Contained
Incident: Rush Fire Wildfire
Released: 8/30/2012
Susanville, Calif., Aug. 30, 8 p.m. The Rush fire has been contained. Firefighters completed the work of cooling the perimeter to prevent further spread by the 315,577-acre blaze in California and Nevada.
On Friday, roads and areas closed because of the Rush fire will reopen. The Bureau of Land Management announced the reopening today.
"It is important that people driving through the area keep a watchful eye for fire crews and equipment, especially in the areas along the Buckhorn Road in the northern part of the fire," said Ken Collum, BLM Eagle Lake field manager.
He also asked visitors to keep vehicles on roads and trails and out of burned areas to avoid damaging soils that have lost their protective plant cover.
Fire danger is still extreme and fire restrictions are in effect. Campfires are not allowed except in posted, developed recreation sites and campgrounds, smoking is not allowed except inside buildings or enclosed vehicles, and use of internal combustion engines is allowed only on roads and trails. Chainsaw use is prohibited.
Pilots are advised that the "Temporary Flight Restriction" in place for the Rush fire will remain in effect as firefighting helicopters will be operating in the fire area in the coming days.
A small force of firefighters will continue patrolling the Rush fire. The fire organization lead by the Northern Rockies National Incident Management will be fully demobilized on Saturday.
The fire information office in Susanville will close at noon on Friday, Aug. 31. After that, for information on the Rush fire, call the Public Affairs Office of the Bureau of Land Management in Susanville, Calif., at (530) 252-5332 or email jfontana@blm.gov.
NOTE: Use of chainsaws on public lands managed by BLM in northeast California and far northwestern Nevada is suspended because of extreme fire danger. Fire officials remind residents and visitors that fire restrictions are in effect for public lands and national forests in northeast California and far northwest Nevada. Campfires are permitted only in posted recreation sites.
Started: 8/12/12 at 6:42 pm
Contained: 8/30/2012, 6 p.m.
Cause: Lightning
Committed Resources: 335 people
Fuels: Fire was burning sagebrush, juniper,
and grass
Structures Threatened: 0
Estimated Size: est. 315,577 acres (271,911 acres in California and 43,666 acres in Nevada)
Structures Damaged or Destroyed: 1 (barn)
Containment: 100%
Injuries: 4 minor
