Forests and Rangelands Success Story
Fuel Reduction Efforts Successful during Motion Fire
Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, California
National Fire Plan - Firefighting
2008
The Whiskey Creek Roadside shaded fuelbreak, completed in 2007, assisted in holding the Motion Fire to Whiskey Creek Road.
Whiskeytown Fire Use Module still stands after the Motion Fire comes close. It was saved due to reduced fire intensity due to fuel treatments.
The Motion Fire started outside of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area near Shasta Dam during the lightning siege on June 21, 2008. On July 9, this fire spotted across the western control lines and began moving toward Whiskeytown’s eastern boundary. On July 11, the Motion Fire entered the park and started backing down the ridgeline towards Whiskey Creek. Whiskeytown closed the park to all visitor activities, mandatory evacuations for the few residences were initiated, and structure protection was put in place around several Whiskeytown structures.
Whiskeytown’s efforts over the years to reduce hazardous fuels by creating roadside shaded fuelbreaks and clearing vegetation around structures were tested when the Motion Fire threatened the Fire Use Module office. As the fire approached the area, fire crews made their stand to protect the structure. Fire activity dramatically decreased upon reaching the treated areas where much of the fuel had been removed leaving large-spaced stands of oaks and ponderosa pines. The lower fire intensities and reduced fire behavior in the treated areas surrounding the building proved successful and provided for a safe and controlled burnout.
The Motion Fire also was held within the park boundary along the Whiskey Creek roadside shaded fuelbreak. This fuelbreak had been completed in winter 2007. Treatments used several strategies to remove dense pockets of brush, closely spaced trees, and an abundance of exotic plants. With the reduced fire intensities from the thinning and reduction of ladder fuels, fire crews were able to hold the fire at Whiskey Creek Road.
The Motion Fire was contained on July 25 at 28,308 acres. The area that burned in the park totaled 2,454 acres. Providing for and improving safety for the public, property, park resources and firefighters is a primary goal for Whiskeytown Fire Management. Fuel treatments in this area made a difference by reducing fire intensity, protecting park resources, and providing a safe area for firefighters to safely conduct suppression actions.
Contact: Carol Jandrall Fire Education Specialist, (530) 242-3438.