Death Valley, CA-A fire broke out near historic Scotty's Castle in Death Valley National Park on Tuesday, May 21st around 4 pm. As of Wednesday morning, about 26 acres of heavy brush had burned north of the Castle grounds. Firefighters from the region were called in to fight the blaze which at times was about 70 feet high.
Scotty's Castle is closed indefinitely until water and power are restored to the area. Bonnie Clair Rd. is closed between the junction of Big Pine Rd. and three miles east of the Castle. The remainder of the park remains open to visitors. There is no damage to the Castle itself. A small area of an outbuilding was sprayed with water after winds blew embers onto the structure.
Engine crews from the Bureau of Land Management in Ridgecrest, CA and Pahrump, NV, and a hand crew from the Inyo National Forest in Bishop, CA responded Tuesday evening. Approximately 45 personnel are assigned to the fire. Additional resources are expected to arrive on Wednesday. The fire is approximately 50% contained. Firefighters hope full containment will occur within the next one or two days. The source of the fire has not yet been determined.
-NPS-
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
