News Release
NPS
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August 20, 2022
For Immediate Release
Josh Hoines (530) 242-3460
Update on the Kennedy Fire
On Thursday, August 18, 2022 a fatal traffic accident on Highway 299 sparked a wildland fire and precipitated a closure and evacuation of the eastern side of Whiskerytown National Recreation Ares (NRA). Multiple agencies responded quickly to both the traffic accident and the fire with forward progress on the fire stopped in the late afternoon of the 18th. The initial report of 35 acres was based on aerial mapping of the perimeter and today, based on more accurate mapping, the Kennedy Fire currently is 45 acres in size and 100% contained. Smoldering trees and other hot spots may result in smoke plumes being visible through out the day.
The hot weather and dry conditions present some increasingly familiar obstacles to the fire crews and have resulted in 3 heat related evacuations of personnel. We are happy to report that each of the three firefighters was treated and released from local hospitals. Fire crews from multiple cooperating agencies are continuing mop up operations and guests are advised to use caution while driving through the Whiskeytown Area. John F. Kennedy Memorial Drive will reopen by 10:00am today (Saturday August 20, 2022) as will the Visitor Center.
Additional Information on Whiskeytown NRA’s Entrance Fee Program
Entrance fees support a wide variety of projects that benefit our visitors.
The NPS offers several fee-free entrance days throughout the year. The next fee-free days include August 25: National Park Service Birthday; September 26: National Public Lands Day; November 11: Veterans Day.
Last updated: August 20, 2022