Ten
small fires burn in Crater Lake park area
Mail Tribune
Medford, Oregon
August 16, 2004
CRATER LAKE — Firefighters have been using eco-friendly tactics
to contain several small fires in remote areas of the Crater
Lake National Park.
Crews aim to surround the fires with minimum disturbance to the
forest floor while allowing some areas to burn naturally, fire
officials said. Helicopters were expected today to assist 100
firefighters manning 10 fires in remote areas of the park.
A spate of lightning touched off the fires Friday and Saturday
nights. Although the park received nearly half an inch of rain
during the storms, smoldering spots were expected to leap to
life today, said Wayne Patterson, fire information officer for
the U.S. Forest Service.
The
largest blaze was believed to be between 35 and 45 acres in
size, Patterson said. Located several miles from roads,
interpretive centers and lodging facilities, the fires posed no
threat to visitors, he added. However, the Pacific Crest Trail —
located in the park’s western reaches — was closed because of
proximity to the fires.
Crews likely will work for several more days to contain the
fires, Patterson said.
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