Multiple Lightning-Sparked Fires Cause Closures on Shasta-Trinity National Forest

Smoke at one of the many fires burning in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. [USDA Forest Service photo by Erik Fleitz at the Lick Fire]

Firefighters on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest have been responding to multiple wildfire incidents sparked by lightning strikes last weekend and earlier this week. According to a press release from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest service, “Firefighters are using a full-suppression strategy to fight these fires, with ground and air resources committed to those efforts. There is a possibility of new wildfire incidents occurring following lightning strikes that occurred in previous days. New fires could also start hours and even days after previous lightning strikes.”

Because of this, the Forest Service has announced closures in the Trinity Alps Wilderness and surrounding National Forest lands under Forest Order 14-25-22. Beginning Saturday, August 30, and lasting through January 31, 2026, the closure covers National Forest System lands, trails, trailheads, and roads east of Stuart Fork Trail, south and west of Swift Creek Trail, and west and north of State Route 3.

Among the closed areas are the Stoney Ridge, Long Canyon, and Granite Peak Trails and Trailheads, as well as the Bear Basin, Granite Lake, and Deer Creek Trails that branch off Swift Creek and Stuart Fork. Trails in the popular Four Lakes Loop are also off-limits. The Swift Creek and Stuart Fork Trails and trailheads remain open, as do Stoney Creek Group Campground and Bridge Camp. Landowners and residents may still access parcels along U.S. Forest Service roads within the closure zone.

Visitors should also be aware that “super scooper” aircraft will be operating over Trinity Lake throughout the Labor Day weekend, refilling water tanks in the Stuart Fork Arm of the lake. Boaters are asked to stay out of their path to ensure both public and air crew safety. Fire suppression aircraft may also utilize both Trinity and Shasta Lakes.

The Forest Service urges the public to help reduce human-caused ignitions by practicing fire safety: never leave a campfire unattended, fully extinguish campfires, keep vehicle chains from dragging, and maintain proper tire inflation. Current fire restrictions remain in effect and can be found here.

For maps, full closure orders, and additional fire-related updates, visit the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Alerts page https://www.fs.usda.gov/r05/shasta-trinity/alerts or follow Shasta-Trinity NF on Facebook.