News Release

Susanville Interagency Fire Center
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection - Lassen National Forest
Bureau of Land Management - Lassen Volcanic National Park

For Release: August 23,2005 NCNews83
Contact: Jeff Fontana (BLM) 530/252-5332 or 530/260-2675 (cell)

CREWS BATTLING RANGE FIRE NORTH OF FORT BIDWELL

Nearly 300 firefighters are battling a 4,000-acre rangeland fire in a remote area of northeastern California about 13 miles east of the community of Fort Bidwell.

The Barrel Fire was sparked by lightning on Sunday, Aug. 21, and was fanned by high winds. It is burning sagebrush, juniper and white fir, impacting wildlife habitat. t is burning on private land and public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management.

One ranch structure and a corral were threatened, but not damaged. There are no additional structures threatened. There is no threat to the community of Fort Bidwell.

Today, there are four air tankers, three helicopters, five bulldozers and two water tenders assisting nine ground crews. The fire is 10 percent contained, with full containment projected for Friday, Aug. 25.

Winds and long range spotting have caused the fire to spread rapidly. Officials said the blaze burned actively most of Monday night.

Additional firefighting resources are being assigned to the fire today.

-BLM-