New Fire Start at Snowslide Lake
Incident: Caribou Wildfire
Released: 9/5/2012
New Fire Start at Snowslide Lake
YREKA, CA- A new fire, called the Caribou Fire, was discovered September 3, 2012 at Snowslide Lake approximately 15 miles southwest of Coffee Creek, California. The fire started near the lake which is located within the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Fifteen smokejumpers from the US Forest Service Region 5 Smokejumper Unit in Redding, California were parachuted in to suppress the fire which is estimated to be 30 to 35 acres in size. In addition a five person Helitack Crew was flown into the area by helicopter- -and a Type 2 initial attack crew of 20 fire fighters were flown in by helicopter to participate in suppression efforts. A 20 person Hot Shot crew of fire fighters will also be flown in late this afternoon.
Portions of the Caribou Lake Trail (Forest Trail No. 5455) and Old Caribou Lake Trail (Forest Trail 5467) have been closed for public safety. Other trails originating from the Big Flat Trailhead remain open. Please check the closure information posted on Inciweb at: www.inciweb.org/incident/3117/ or the Klamath National Forest website at: www.fs.usda.gov/klamath.
The Caribou Fire is a concern because it started in a string of brush and trees from the lake to higher elevations which could lead to spread of the fire-especially if high winds occur. Cause of the fire is under investigation.
The Caribou fire is another example of the increase in number of person caused fires. In the past week an average of 1 to 2 new fires have started each day on the Klamath National Forest. Suppression of these news fires requires firefighters and equipment which could otherwise be working on suppression of large fires that are consuming hundreds of acres per day. With fire fighting resources stretched to the limit forest visitors need to be aware that Klamath National Forest is now in Fire Restrictions. Visitors are urged to be extra careful with any activity that has the potential to start a fire. Check the Forest website at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/klamath/ or with a Forest Service station for local conditions. Please call (530) 841-4597 for fire information.
