"Fire Season is in Full Swing"

During the past three years, the Lassen Modoc Unit (LMU) has experienced the effects of severe drought and has faced earlier than normal lightning storms. Fuel conditions have become progressively more critical and the chance of major fires has increased dramatically each year

While lightning and the resulting fires are somewhat commonplace in LMU, on June 20th of this year, a major dry lightning storm pelted the entire North State. This storm ignited over 1,000 fires on Cal Fire protected lands and burned approximately 1,200,000 acres of residential, recreational and natural resource values. 181 residences, 1 commercial building and 329 outbuildings were destroyed. Most of the lightning caused fires are now controlled; however, new fires are occurring every day from a variety of sources.

During this siege, Lassen Modoc Unit experienced 52 wildland fires which burned approximately 18,000 acres. Fortunately, there were no buildings destroyed and there were no major injuries or fatalities associated with these fires. Of these 52 fires, two became “major” incidents that warranted the activation of Type I Incident Command Teams. The Popcorn/Peterson Complex consumed 5,000 acres and the Corral Fire burned nearly 13,000 acres of timber, wildlife habitat and critical watershed.

While the two major incidents received the public’s attention, I would like to focus on the other 50 fires that, without the dedication and determination of our personnel would have also become major fires. These fires occurred at a time when ground and aerial firefighting resources were below maximum drawdown levels. There were insufficient numbers of personnel, fire engines, helicopters, fire dozers and fire crews to adequately staff all of the fires.

Through the outstanding leadership of our Chief Officers, the incidents were prioritized and the limited resources were appropriately assigned for maximum effectiveness and success. And of course, the high success rate could never have been achieved without the line supervisors and firefighting personnel who implemented and skillfully executed the strategy and tactics. There was 100% effort by all who were involved. The odds were against them, but they never gave up. All of these fires are now fully contained and it deserves repeating that this was all done without any major injuries to the public or our firefighters.

One common phrase that was heard throughout the siege was “and this is only June”. So please keep in mind that there is much ahead of us. The fuel and weather conditions will continue to worsen, as will the chances of fires occurring. Extreme and erratic fire behavior should always be anticipated. And lastly, please remember that your safety is our number one priority – always. Take care of yourselves and be prepared for the next wave.

Brad Lutts, Lassen-Modoc Unit Chief
Email: brad.lutts@fire.ca.gov