Highland Lakes, CA…On June 24, 2021, a lightning storm ignited a fire in the Carson-Iceberg Wilderness northeast of Spicer Reservoir and southwest of Highland Lakes at the 7500 ft. elevation.  Fire managers are utilizing a confine/contain strategy using ridges, creeks, trails, and natural barriers to manage the fire. The terrain is steep with brush, patches of conifer trees and granite outcroppings. A Type 3 Incident Management Team is assigned to the fire. Fire Updates will occur every few days and/or as conditions change.

Current Situation: Yesterday, the fire was a little more active due to interior burning and burnout operations. Crews are securing the edge of the fire maintaining Minimal Impact Suppression Tactics and maximizing the use of natural barriers. The helicopter is supporting the firefighters on the ground. Campgrounds are open. Be advised smoke may be more visible during the day and settle during the night/early morning hours in the canyons.

Fire Statistics:
Location: Stanislaus National Forest, Calaveras Ranger District, Alpine County
Carson-Iceberg Wilderness (northeast of Spicer Reservoir and southwest of Highland Lakes)
Acres: 650, Containment: 18%
Date Detected: June 24, 2021
Cause: Lightning
Injuries/Accidents: 0
Total Personnel: 60
Structures Threatened/Destroyed: 1/0
Personnel Assigned: Hand crews- 4, Type 2 Helicopter – 1, Type 3 Incident Management Team

Fires play an important role in the ecosystem.  Except for a small fire (12-acres) last year near Henry Peak, the area has not seen fire in over 20 years. Incident objectives include:

• Provide for public and firefighter safety as the highest priority.
• Keep the fire north of Hiram Meadow, south of Carson-Iceberg Wilderness boundary, east of trail 19E43 and west of trail 19E41.
• Employ suppression tactics in line with values at risk. Utilize Minimum Impact Suppression Tactics (MIST) within the Wilderness.
• Introduce fire back into the ecosystem and provide for educational opportunities about ecological benefits of wildland fire.

Public Safety:
There are Area and trail closures (19E41, 19E43, 20E04, and 20E01) in effect. Please visit the Stanislaus National Forest webpage for Area closure order: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd930075.pdf and Forest-wide fire restrictions: www.fs.usda.gov/stanislaus

Fire Season is here, are you ready? Visit: https://www.readyforwildfire.org

Source = USFS