Reading Fire Review 2012

On July 23, 2012, a lightning strike started the Reading Fire in the interior of Lassen Volcanic National Park. The fire, located at approximately 7,000 feet in elevation, was located in red fir with areas of rock and limited ground fuels. The initial assessment indicated that the fire would have resource benefits. It was monitored for several days and showed minimal growth. Plans were made to hold the fire at the Lassen National Park Highway. However, during the first days of August, fire activity increased. On August 6, the fire jumped the highway and spread rapidly to the northwest. The fire ultimately spread onto Lassen National Forest lands and threatened the community of Old Station. No structures were lost, and there were two injuries to firefighters. When the fire was contained on August 22, 2012, it had reached 28,079 acres. As of the date of this report, the Reading Fire is estimated to have cost approximately $17 million.