| "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
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