[pct-l] PCT reopens in Sth Sierra

[Bighummel at aol.com (Bighummel@xxxxxxx)]

The PCTA and USFS reports;

    
       News Release/Fire Update   Forest Service
  United States
Department of
Agriculture
        Inyo National Forest 
351 Pacu Lane, Suite 200 Bishop, CA 93514
  Contact: Jan Cutts
   (760) 873-2481

  Date:  October 31, 2003

 FIRE UPDATE - October 31th
PCT & Brown Meadow Trail Open in Summit Fire Area

FIRE SITUATION: Three fires are currently burning in the southern Sierra: the 
Summit Fire, the Albanita-Hooker fire, and the West Kern Fire. All three 
fires are wildland fire use fires started in late August or early September by 
lightning and all are being managed for resource benefit.  
? The Summit Fire is located south of Olancha Peak in the South Sierra and 
Golden Trout Wildernesses. The fire is currently at 6,260 acres and has had very 
little growth in the last few days. Smoke is visible from the Owens Valley.  
THE PACIFIC CREST TRAIL AND HESSIAN MEADOW/BROWN MEADOW TRAIL HAVE BEEN 
RE-OPENED.  
? The Albanita-Hooker Fire is currently at 4,064 acres and is burning in the 
South Sierra Wilderness on the Sequoia National Forest.  Drift smoke from this 
fire may be visible in Kennedy Meadows and the southern portion of the Owens 
Valley. 
? The West Kern Fire (part of the Kaweah-Kern Complex) is 7,957 acres in size 
and is burning in parts of the Sequoia National Park and Inyo and Sequoia 
National Forests. The most active area of the fire is on the Inyo National Forest 
(west of the Kern River). Drift smoke from this fire may be visible in the 
southern Owens Valley.

The Management objective for these fires is to continue monitoring fire 
progression. If these naturally caused fires continue to pose no threat, they will 
be allowed to burn to benefit, protect, and enhance the area resources until 
extinguised by winter storms.

Travelers are reminded that camping in or moving through the fire area is NOT 
recommended.  If you chose to travel through this area, watch out for active 
fire, dense smoke, rolling debris, and unstable trees.  Backcountry travelers 
should be aware that conditions can change at any time, and trails may be 
closed as needed in order to provide for public safety. Please check with your 
local Forest Service Ranger Station or Visitor Center for the most current 
information.

SUMMIT FIRE:
Acres Burned: 6,260
Date Started: August 26, 2003
Cause: Lightning    ALBANITA-HOOKER FIRE:
Acres Burned: 4,064
Date Started: September 3, 2003
Cause: Lightning    WEST KERN FIRE:
Acres Burned: 7,957
Date Started: August 23, 2003
Cause: Lightning

TRAIL CLOSURES STATUS:
Inyo National Forest Emergency Fire Closure Order No. 04-03-07: AMENDED 
10/31/03: The portion of Hessian Meadow (Brown Meadow) Trail between Monache Meadow 
and Strawberry Meadow approximately eight miles) is now open. The entire 
length of the Right Stringer Trail from Little Whitney Meadows to the end of the 
trail remains closed.
Inyo National Forest Emergency Fire Closure Order No. 04-03-05: This closure 
order was terminated on October 31, 2003, re-opening the Pacific Crest Trail 
to public use. 
More information about these and other fires in neighboring Forests & 
National Parks is available at http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/fire/fireuse.