The second largest wildfire in California history has been officially contained this evening. The 315,577 acre Rush fire started about 15 miles southeast of Ravendale August 12th, on public land administered by the Bureau of Land Management’s Eagle Lake Field Office.
Here is the final official report released by Northern Rockies National Incident Management team.
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.
Thank You Firefighters!
Rush Fire, Lassen County
