News Release

For Release:  June 23, 2008              
Contact:  Lynda Roush (707) 825-2300 or Jeff Fontana (530) 262-1147
CA-N-08-74

Paradise Fire Forces Temporary Closure of Campgrounds, Roads

A 500-acre wildfire burning in the King Range National Conservation Area northeast of Shelter Cove has forced temporary closure of the Tolkan and Horse Mountain campgrounds, the Paradise Ridge Mountain Bike Trail and Paradise Ridge Road.
 
Additionally, officials are asking area residents and visitors to minimize use of the King Peak Road.

Lynda Roush, manager of the Bureau of Land Management Arcata Field Office, said the facilities were closed to protect public safety while crews from CAL FIRE, BLM and local fire departments battle the lightning-caused fire.

There are no estimates for containment or control of the fire or for re-opening of the BLM facilities.

The blaze was ignited by lightning Friday evening, June 20, and is burning with low to moderate intensity with little torching or crowning in the tanoak and Douglas-fir forest.  It is primarily burning duff and forest floor litter in steep and rugged terrain.

Crews are battling the fire with eight handcrews, two helicopters, seven bulldozers and eight water tenders.  State and federal firefighters are getting assistance from the Whitethorn, Shelter Cove, Briceland and Whale Gulch fire departments.

-BLM-

Arcata Field Office     1695 Heindon Rd.     Arcata, CA  95521