Kern Plateau Lion Fire Sparked by Recent Thunderstorm Activity

US Forest Service, Sequoia National Forest
Contact: Cindy Thill
Kern Plateau Lion Fire Sparked by Recent Thunderstorm Activity

Kernville, CA., July 1, 2009...Recent thunderstorm activity over the past few days, ignited a new lightning caused fire on the Kern Plateau. The "Lion" fire was reported at approximately 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, June 30th, and is located north of Beach Meadow and northwest of the Blackrock Ranger Station.

This wildland fire is being closely monitored and evaluated. We intend to manage this fire for resource benefit purposes. Managed wildland fires for resource benefit are lightning-caused fires that are allowed to burn and spread naturally when they do not threaten people or property. Over the past century, fire suppression has altered historic fire cycles, leading to a dangerous build-up of vegetation in our wildlands. One way for managers to restore healthy conditions and protect communities is to take advantage of some natural fires.

Each lightning caused fire is evaluated individually to determine the optimal response (suppression or managed for resource benefit). When making decisions, fire managers consider the fire’s proximity to private property, potential smoke impacts, firefighter safety, and other fire activity occurring in the area.

There is no current threat to Beach, West or Smith Meadow properties.

Weather forecasts call for a slight chance of thunderstorm activity over the Sequoia National Forest for the next couple of days.

For further information, please contact Cindy Thill, Public Affairs, at (760) 376-3781, extension 625.