CRATER LAKE NATIONAL PARKS ISSUES LEVEL ONE EVACUATION NOTICE

September 10, 2020 2:45 p.m.

Crater Lake National Park has issued a Level 1 Evacuation Notice for the entire park.

Marsha McCabe from the National Park Service said residents and visitors should “be ready” for a potential evacuation, including employee dormitories and trailer sites, in the event that a fire approaches these areas. McCabe said current or projected threats from nearby fires indicate that there may be a need to evacuate in the future. There is no mandatory evacuation at this time.

McCabe said conditions could change and people should check the park website: www.nps.gov/crla.

The release said while there is not currently a fire in the park, there are several reasons for the implementation of the notice:

*Fire danger is extremely high, with very low humidity and exceptionally dry conditions after long periods of high temperatures with no precipitation.

*There is an extreme shortage of fire fighting resources because of numerous fires in the western United States. Should a fire start in the park, outside resources may be difficult to obtain.

*The egress in and out of the park is impacted by nearby fires and road closures, and could be further reduced as conditions change.

*Park visitors and residents are not at risk at this time.

The park implemented a complete ban on all wood and charcoal fires. They are not permitted in any location throughout the park. The release said this regulation is being strictly enforced.