News Release

For Release:  November 25, 2008       
Contact:  Garth Jeffers (530) 279-6101 or Jeff Fontana (530) 252-5332
CA-N-09-14

BLM Cedarville Crews Mark Fire Season End

Firefighters at the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) station in Cedarville responded to 18 fires in the Cedarville response area and assisted on a half-dozen major wildfires in other areas of California during the recently-ended 2008 fire season.
 
While Surprise Valley was spared major impacts from the June 20 lightning barrage that affected much of California, Cedarville fire engines and crews assisted with lightning-caused blazes near Paskenta, Happy Camp, Chester and Santa Anita. In all, crews and engines responded to about a dozen out of area assignments, including recent fires in Southern California.
 
Surprise BLM firefighters also responded to five medical assistance calls at Fandango Pass, Cedar Pass, Lake City and Fort Bidwell, assisted with vehicle fires at Cedar Pass, Lake City and Fort Bidwell and helped battle three structure fires in Cedarville and Fort Bidwell.
 
The firefighters marked the end of the fire season by honoring crew member Kelly Townsend with a special achievement award for his excellent work. Townsend and his crew members have received excellent evaluations on their assignments.
 
Townsend began his firefighting career as a member of the BLM-Bureau of Indian Affairs partnership crew in 1992.  The crew was instrumental in building fuel breaks that protect the Fort Bidwell community from wildfire.
 
He later transferred to the BLM where he has worked as an engine crew member and engine operator. 
 
BLM Fire Management Officer Garth Jeffers commended Townsend for his strong work ethic and role in a successful and safe fire season for the BLM fire crew.

-BLM-

Surprise Field Office     602 Cressler St.     Cedarville, CA  96114