Cabin Fire Closes Portions of Golden Trout Wilderness

Springville, CA – The Cabin Fire, ignited by lightning in the Golden Trout Wilderness on the Western Divide Ranger District in Sequoia National Forest has spread to over 800 acres; portions of the Golden Trout Wilderness are now closed to protect backcountry travelers.

The portions of the Golden Trout Wilderness that remain open to backcountry travelers are from the Lewis Camp Trailhead towards Trout Meadows, and north to Kern Lake.  The area west of Deep Creek following the boundary of the wilderness towards Mountain Home State Forest, and back to Lewis Camp Trailhead is closed.

Over 150 firefighters are on scene trying to stop the spread of the Cabin Fire.  Three hotshot crews, two type 2 crews, and three helicopters are committed along with overhead personnel.  Fire officials plan to stop the spread of the fire to the north where the Lion Fire burned in 2011 along Pecks Canyon.  To the south, the Soda Fire from 2014 should slow it down along Mountaineer Creek.  Firefighters are improving the Clicks Creek Trail to the east and the Summit Trail to the west to utilize as fire lines if needed.

If you are planning a backcountry trip into the Golden Trout Wilderness please call for trail status before you leave home.  Smoke will be lingering in most areas throughout the Wilderness until the fire spread is stopped.  Please call (559) 539-2607 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. for latest fire and weather updates.

Smoke, wind, and clouds are limiting the ability for air resources to drop water and shuttle crews into the fire.  Smoke can be seen from the valley floor and is drifting into nearby communities.  Information on how to limit your exposure to smoke can be found on the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control Districts website http://valleyair.org/wildfires.htm