For Release: Sept. 4, 2003
Contact: Lynda Roush (707) 825-2300
CA-N-03-90

Lightning sparks King Range fires; back country travel not advised

The thunderstorms and lightning that pounded northern California Wednesday touched off several fires in the King Range National Conservation Area, and officials with the U. S. Bureau of Land Management are advising against back country travel for the next several days.

Many fires are unstaffed and burning in several areas, said Lynda Roush, manager of the BLM's Arcata Field Office. On Thursday afternoon, fires were burning near the Saddle Mountain and Lightning trailheads, and near the King Crest trail system. For their own safety, Roush advised visitors to stay out of the King Range back country. Fire dangers are high, and there are many emergency vehicles using the King Range interior roads.

Roush said the back country travel advisory will be lifted when the fire danger subsides.

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection is leading the fire fighting effort, working closely with crews from the BLM.

North Coast residents and visitors are also reminded that fire restrictions remain in effect on BLM-managed public lands in Humboldt, Trinity and Mendocino counties. Under the restrictions, campfires are allowed only in the fire rings of developed campgrounds, vehicles are limited to existing roads and trails, and smoking is limited to enclosed vehicles and developed recreation sites.

Portable stoves using gas, jellied petroleum or pressurized liquid fuel are allowed outside of developed campgrounds, but a campfire permit is required. For more information on fire restrictions, contact the BLM Arcata Field Office, (707) 825-2300, or the King Range Project Office, (707) 986-5400.

-BLM-

Arcata Field Office - 1695 Heindon Road - Arcata, CA 95521