Single Publication

Multiple Lightning Caused Fires Being Managed as the Quarry Fire

Forest Service News Release

Benjamin Cossel, Public Affairs Officer, Stanislaus National Forest

W: 209.288.6261 | C: 209.916.5919 | Benjamin.cossel@usda.gov

SONORA, California Sept 15, 2023 – Following a tumultuous series of weekend storms resulting in more than 38 ignitions on the Forest, fire personnel with the Stanislaus National Forest are currently managing  the Quarry Fire to achieve multiple resource objectives.  The Quarry Fire is located off Forest Road 3N01, east of Bourland Creek and approximately four miles east of the Emigrant Wilderness Border.. 

                Of the other fires across the forest, three (Pilot, Hamilton, and Bar) are out, 14 fires are listed as contained, 15 in control status, eight in patrol status and two (Dome and Sheering) on the Summit/Mi-Wok district are currently staffed.

                The lightning ignitions were originally detected on September 9, and district fire managers immediately began work to ensure these naturally ignited fires stayed within pre-determined boundaries. The Stanislaus National Forest’s Wildland Fire Module Crew 2 and four smoke jumpers are currently assigned to the fires.

                 “Our main objective is to manage the fire for resource benefit while keeping it away from sensitive historical and archeological sites and any other potential items at risk,” said Summit/Mi-Wok Fire Management Officer, Shaun Craig.

                “Allowing natural fire to spread in areas where it can be safely and effectively managed helps restore natural fire return intervals, increasing forest resiliency and aiding in reducing catastrophic wildfire risk to our communities,” said Stanislaus National Forest Supervisor, Jason Kuiken. 

Kuiken noted that every fire – prescribed or wildfire – has a containment strategy developed using a full spectrum of management actions that consider fire and fuel conditions, predicted short- and long-term weather conditions, values at risk, resource availability, land management plans and designations, smoke impacts, and the potential for successful consumption of fuel loads.

“Every management strategy identifies places suppression resources need to prioritize activities based on values at risk. However, containment strategies may include identification of natural barriers or locations where fire could be ecologically beneficial,” said Kuiken. 

                Smoke may be visible from Highway 108, Rim of the World Vista Point and the potential for temporary road closures may be in effect along Forest Service Road 3N01. Individuals traveling in the area are encouraged to use extreme caution and drive slower than normal as fire equipment moves in and out of the area.