Six Rivers National Forest has announced the closure of Big Rock River Access Site located off the Big Rock Road in Willow Creek because of public safety concerns.
“Rafters, kayakers, and anglers use this popular area to ‘put-in’ to the lower Trinity River,” said Forest Supervisor Tyrone Kelley in a press release. “With 10 helicopters and other aircraft continually active in the area, public safety is our primary reason for this closure order.”
Visitors to the river can launch their boats at Camp Kimtu Beach adjacent to Veterans Park.
The Forest Service said on Thursday, July 9, that crews are continuing to make progress securing the south and west flanks of the Backbone Fire “despite the hazardous snags, dense brush, and steep conditions.”
Indirect fire line construction will continue along Devil’s Backbone, Fawn Ridge and the Salmon Creek drainage, according to the press release. The Salmon Ridge is being prepared for a future burn-out operation that will occur as conditions permit.
Ken Swartzlander’s California Type II Incident Management Team has joined George Custer’s National Incident Management Organization to manage the Backbone Fire.
FIRE FACTS
Size: Approximately 5,197 acres
Started: July 1, 2009, 25 percent containment
Cause: Lightning
Resources threatened: No structures are threatened
Active Fire Location: 36 miles northeast of Willow Creek in Trinity Alps Wilderness
Resources:
11 hotshot Type 1 crews
2 Type II crews, 1 helitack crew
1 Type 3 helicopter; 4 Type 2 helicopters, 5 Type I helicopters
3 engines
10 Water tenders
477 Total personnel
Additional Closures:
• There is a “No Stop Zone” from the mouth of Willow Creek to one mile downriver; visitors are asked to float through with caution, due to the helibase location.
• Horse Ridge National Recreation Trail, Salmon Summit National Scenic Trail, Mill Creek, Tish Tang, and Red Cap Trails, Bear Hole, and Grizzly Camp areas.
Weaverville, Calif. —
