BLM temporarily closing public lands near Monument Fire west of Junction City
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REDDING, Calif. – The Bureau of Land Management has temporarily closed the BLM-managed public lands west of Junction City because of the rapidly expanding Monument Fire. The closures affect lands west of Canyon Creek and Junction City, north of the Trinity River and California State Route 299, east of North Fork Trinity River, and south of Barney Gulch.
“This fire is burning dry timber and brush and including public land areas managed by the BLM,” said Jennifer Mata, manager of the BLM’s Redding Field Office. “This temporary closure is to protect public health and safety.”
As of Friday, Aug. 8, the wildfire had burned 36,000 acres. Firefighters are building fire lines, but there is no containment. High temperatures, low humidity, wind and steep terrain are challenging fire crews.
More than 300 personnel are fighting the fire that broke out Friday, July 30, about a mile south of Del Loma in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest after thunderstorms moved through the area. The fire has forced evacuations and closed Route 299. The Shasta-Trinity National Forest is providing updates at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7750/.
BLM officials are reminding public land users to be extremely cautious with outdoor use of fire because of extreme fire dangers. Fire use restrictions are in place, limiting campfires, vehicle use, target shooting and smoking. Details are available online at https://www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/california/fire-restrictions.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.