SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. – Crews from the United States Forest Service are working to fully contain a wildfire burning in the Trinity Alps Wilderness within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest in Shasta County.
According to the Forest Service, a wildfire was sparked by a lightning strike near Backbone Ridge in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. The fire was first reported at around 6:30 p.m. on Friday night.
Smokejumpers and Helicopter 506 from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest were immediately dispatched to the incident.
Due to the steep, rugged terrain and lack of a safe landing area, smokejumpers were unable to safely access the fire by air.
Officials says that Helicopter 506 continued bucket work on the fire until dark.
On Saturday morning, firefighters from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, including the Shasta Lake Hotshots, hiked into the incident and are now on scene constructing fireline and supporting suppression efforts.
The Shasta-Trinity National Forest says as of Saturday afternoon, the fire is currently estimated at approximately 1/2 acre in size.
Helicopter 506 continues with aerial bucket drops on the fire while the remainder of the helitack crew is supporting firefighters on the ground.
The Shasta-Trinity National Forest will maintain full firefighting staffing throughout the Memorial Day holiday weekend.