Single Publication

Park Fire Update: Wednesday, September 11, 2024

Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 2

Incident Commander John Truett

Size: 429,603 acres

Start Date: July 24, 2024

Containment: 99 percent

Total Personnel: 391

Repairs Completed: 185 of 417 repair points, 5 of 7 miles of handline, 73 of 99 miles of dozer line, 66 of 101 miles of roads as line, 27 of 49 miles of other repair lines

Resources: 1 helicopter, 2 crews, 3 engines, 2 dozers, 5 water tenders, 1 chipper, 4 excavators, 2 feller bunchers, 4 skidders, 1 log loader, 1 backhoe, 2 road graders

IN TRIBUTE: Today marks the anniversary of the attacks on our nation in 2001 that resulted in a loss of 2,958 lives. It is also a time to reflect on the countless people from around the world who responded to the attacks with acts of selflessness and compassion. Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 2 was one of the incident management teams called to New York City in the aftermath of the attacks. Some team members who responded in 2001 are still on the team today.

CURRENT SITUATION: This is the final Park Fire update from Southwest Complex Incident Management Team 2 (SWCIMT2). The Park Fire information line will be staffed until 8 p.m. today; thereafter, Lassen National Forest Public Affairs Officer Amber Marshall will be the point of contact for information regarding the fire (530-250-7400, amber.marshall@usda.gov). 

The Forest Service’s National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) Team 3 arrived yesterday, received an in-brief, and began collecting information in preparation to take over the fire this evening. The incident will be managed with fewer personnel and resources, but fire-suppression repair work will continue. The hazard-tree group has several days’ work ahead of them along Ponderosa Way. The suppression-repair group has work to keep them busy for at least a week in the area south of Turner Mountain. The roads group has several days’ work around Turner Mountain Loop and the Bear Wallow area.

WEATHER & SAFETY: Winds today will be gusty and, as the day progresses, will blow from almost every direction. Top gusts could reach 40 mph. Temperatures continue their downward trend, and humidity will rise slightly, but wind trumps temperature and humidity when it comes to fire behavior. The constantly changing winds will generate short-duration smokes from within the fire perimeter. These will not pose a risk to fire containment. Additionally, these winds will bring snags and hazard trees to the ground, so abide by the forest closure order.  Finally, these conditions would encourage the spread of any new fires, so be particularly cautious while recreating and using equipment outdoors and be aware of applicable fire restrictions. 

FOREST CLOSURE: Some Lassen National Forest lands, roads, and trails remain temporarily closed for the safety of the public and firefighters during the repair phase of the fire. Prior to recreating on your public lands, view Forest Order No. 06-24-07 and the map here: fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices. Knowing the forest-closure status in the areas where you are working or recreating is your responsibility.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: Fire restrictions remain in effect on Lassen National Forest. For details, view Forest Order No. 06-24-04 here: fs.usda.gov/alerts/lassen/alerts-notices. Knowing fire restrictions in the areas where you are living, working or recreating is your responsibility.

Lassen National Forest Public Affairs Office: 

530-250-7400 | amber.marshall@usda.gov

Park Fire Information (through September 11): 

530-414-9298 | 2024.park@firenet.gov | linktr.ee/park_fire