Weather to Allow for Pile Burning at Lassen Volcanic National Park

MINERAL, CA - Lassen Volcanic National Park plans to hand ignite burn piles as cool and wet weather dominate the forecast. The park will take advantage of the changing weather conditions to complete the final phase of fuels reduction projects throughout the park when enough precipitation has fallen to prevent fire from spreading beyond project pile areas. "The burning of piles is a critical part of the process to protect park facilities and improve the safety for park visitors," stated Superintendent Darlene M. Koontz.

Piles are generally constructed by hand into a teepee shape with finer fuels in the center and larger fuels towards the outside. This helps fire fighters ignite the piles even after precipitation has fallen and contribute to better pile consumption. Piles intended for burning are all associated with hazardous fuel reduction projects designed to protect park infrastructure and minimize intensity from unwanted wildfires. These piles have cured over the last several years making them ideal for burning and will contribute to almost complete consumption.

Numerous piles were constructed during the Northwest Gateway fuels reduction project and subsequent restoration in the Manzanita Lake area and will be ignited as weather permits. Other burn piles are located near the southern boundary of the park along the Pacific Crest Trail in the Little Willow area and in the Juniper Lake campground.

For more information, and specific information regarding pile burn locations please visit the park website at http://www.nps.gov/lavo/parkmgmt/index.htm or contact the superintendent's office at (530) 595-6102 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.