The Bureau of Land Management has temporarily closed public lands on the west side of Eagle Lake in Lassen County, including the North Eagle Lake Campground, Rocky Point camping area and Buck Point, for public safety due to the dangers from the Whaleback Fire. The temporary closure also includes lands bounded by Cleghorn Road on the north, state Route 139, County Road A-1 on the east and south, and the Lassen National Forest boundary on the west. 

Closures are also in place for Lassen National Forest lands in the fire area, including recreation areas at the south shore.

BLM-managed public lands and shoreline camping areas on the east shore remain open.

“This fire is burning dry timber and brush and threatens public land areas managed by the BLM,” said Emily Ryan, associate field manager for the BLM Eagle Lake Field Office. “This temporary closure is to protect public health and safety. We will restore public land access as soon as it is safe.”

More than 700 personnel are fighting the 18,300-acre fire that broke out Friday, July 27, near the community of Spalding. Evacuations are in place for Spalding and south shore recreation sites.

BLM officials are reminding public land users that fire restrictions are in place for northeast California public lands, limiting campfires, vehicle use, target shooting and smoking. Details are available online at www.blm.gov/programs/public-safety-and-fire/fire-and-aviation/regional-info/california/fire-restrictions.