Mcfarland and Monument Wildfires Prompt Forest Closures (Maps)

Monument Fire Closure map

Press release from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Public Affairs Office:

The Shasta-Trinity National Forest has issued closure orders for the Monument and McFarland Fires, located in Trinity, Tehama and Shasta Counties.  The orders, FOREST ORDER NO. 14-21-21 (Monument Fire Closure Order) and FOREST ORDER NO. 14-21-22 (McFarland Fire Closure Order) were issued to protect public health and safety. Both fires are exhibiting extreme fire behavior, resulting in damage to structures and prompting a number of evacuations.

The closure orders will facilitate unimpeded ingress and egress for fire and other emergency responders while decreasing exposure to fire and smoke related issues for members of the general public. The orders prohibit the public from going into or being within the Monument or McFarland Fire closure areas or on any National Forest System road or trail within the areas.  The orders, maps, and area descriptions can be found on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website www.fs.usda.gov/stnf/  or at www.inciweb.nwcg.gov.

Both orders went into effect on August 7, 2021 and will expire on October 31, 2021.

“We do not make closure decisions lightly,” said Forest Supervisor Rachel Birkey.  “The erratic and extreme fire behavior we are witnessing on both fires requires that we employ an abundance of caution in our commitment to the safety of the public and our firefighters.”

The following persons are exempt from the Monument and McFarland Fire Closure Orders:
•  Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.
•  Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

The following persons are also exempt from the Monument Fire Closure Order only:
•  Owners or lessees of land within the Monument Fire Closure area, to the extent necessary to access their land.
•  Residents within the Monument Fire Closure area, to the extent necessary to access their residences.

As of 9:00 AM, the McFarland Fire had burned 28,944 acres and was 21% contained.  The size of the Monument Fire had grown to 42,567 and was 0% contained.