Rush Fire, Lassen County
Updated 8/14 9:26pm
- Started: August 12, 2012 at 6:42 pm
- Cause: Lightning
- Fuels: Fire is burning in sagebrush, juniper, and grass
- Estimated Size: 69,000 acres
- Containment: 20%
- Expected Containment: 8/19/2012
- Committed Resources: Approximately 138 people
- Structures Threatened: 15 (9 residences; 1 commercial; 5 outbuildings)
- Structures Damaged or Destroyed: 0
- Injuries: 0
Summary: The fire is located on Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Northern California District (BLM-CA-NOD,) Eagle Lake Field Office, approximately 15 miles southeast of Ravendale, California. The fire is burning near a major natural gas line and transfer station, and power transmission lines that supply the Reno area. Aggressive fire suppression around the line is ongoing.
The fire did not significantly spread west today as fire crews made good progress with dozer lines along the west flank of the fire. The fire is currently within 1 mile of US Route (Highway) 395. The fire continued to spread north and south. Firefighters worked aggressively on the southern edge of the fire, south along Smoke Creek Road. Dozer work is limited in this area due to steep rocky terrain.
There are voluntary evacuations of structures along eastern side of Highway 395. Travelers along the Highway 395 corridor, please use caution near the fire crews and equipment working in the fire area. Highway 395 may be closed due to fire activity. Please check for current road conditions with CalTrans at http://www.dot.ca.gov/cgi-bin/roads.cgi or 800-427-7623.
Resource concerns in the area include vital habitat for sage grouse and other wildlife, and multiple cultural and historical sites, 4 Wilderness Study Area (WSA), and the Noble Emigrant National Historic Trail. The fire is also impacting livestock grazing allotments and habitat for federal protected wild horses and burros. Fire managers are working closely with area resource protection staff to mitigate fire damage.
Area and Road Closures in Effect: The closure area is bounded by Highway 395 on the west, the Sand Pass Road on the east, the Ramhorn Springs Road on the north, and the Wendel Road on the south. Routes closed within this area include the Ramhorn Springs, Shinn Ranch, Stoney, Deep Cut, Smoke Creek, Skedaddle Ranch, Dry Valley, and Brubeck roads. The Ramhorn Springs Campground also is closed.
Remarks: Fire officials remind residents and visitors that fire restrictions are in effect for public lands and national forests in northeast California. Campfires are permitted only in posted recreation sites. Chainsaws may not be used after 1:00pm daily.
Rush Fire, Lassen County
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Rush Fire, Lassen County
