Firefighters have made good progress on containing the Green Fire that’s been burning in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest for the past three weeks.
The fire has burned nearly 20,000 acres and is more than 50% contained, according to the U.S Forest Service. But officials say warming temperatures and thunderstorms in the forecast could impact firefighting efforts.
"That's going to put us, obviously, in a heightened state of awareness," said U.S. Forest Service Public Information Officer John Schuler. "[We're going to be] vigilant about any thunder cells that move into the area."
The fire had been producing unhealthy levels of smoke, but Schuler said that air conditions are improving.
"I would just ask people to, if you're out on the water on Lake Shasta, to be mindful of helicopters flying around. Give them clearance and maintain a good safe distance from our operation."— John Schuler, U.S. Forest Service Public Information Officer
"The smoke is dying down considerably, just due to the amount of fire that's been put out at this point," he said. "People may see a little bit of smoke in and around the fire area … [but] we're seeing a lot clearer air in and around the region."
Nearby Lake Shasta has been crucial in the firefighting efforts, he said. Fire crews have been riding on boats to areas of the fire only accessible by water, and helicopters continue to pick up water from the lake to fight the fire.
While it’s been helpful for the crews, he said recreators should be careful to stay out of the way of work.
"I would just ask people to, if you're out on the water on Lake Shasta, to be mindful of helicopters flying around," Schuler said. "Give them clearance and maintain a good safe distance from our operation."
There are currently nearly 1,300 crew members working on the fire
