Area and Road Closure in Place for Rush Fire

High desert lands and roads near the Rush Fire southeast of Ravendale have been closed by the Bureau of Land Management to protect public health and safety.

The closure area is bounded by U. S. Highway 395 on the west, the Sand Pass Road on the east, the Ramhorn Springs Road on the north and the Wendel Road on the south.

Routes closed within this area include the Ramhorn Springs, Shinn Ranch, Stoney, Deep Cut, Smoke Creek, Skedaddle Ranch, Dry Valley, and Brubeck roads. The Ramhorn Springs Campground also is closed.

The BLM and Lassen County Sheriff’s Office are coordinating to enforce the closures.

“This is a fast-moving and dangerous fire,” said Ken Collum, manager of the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office. “People need to stay out of the area for their own safety. Just as importantly, we need to protect firefighter safety by taking steps to ensure there are no conflicts with public traffic on narrow, rugged roads.”

Drivers on Highway 395 should be careful around emergency equipment. The highway could be closed if conditions warrant. Travelers should check conditions by calling the Caltrans information line, 800-427-7623, or visiting www.dot.ca.gov and using the highway conditions search feature.

The Rush Fire has burned about 50,000 acres since being ignited by lightning Sunday evening. It is burning vital habitat for sage-grouse and other wildlife including mule deer and pronghorn. Habitat for federally protected wild horses and burros is affected as are livestock grazing areas.

The fire area includes the BLM Five Springs, Twin Peaks, Skedaddle and Dry Valley Rim wilderness study areas and the Dry Valley Off Highway Vehicle Recreation Area. Outdoor enthusiasts are asked to consider numerous other recreational options in the region until the fire is controlled.