Lightning-sparked wildfires severely damage 118-year-old California park
Wildfires triggered by lightning strikes have caused considerable damage to California's oldest state park, forcing an evacuation and closure.
Wildfires ignited by lightning strikes has caused extensive damage to California’s Big Basin Redwoods State Park, the state's oldest, on Tuesday.
Numerous notable structures were either damaged or destroyed in the blaze, including the headquarters, main lodge, ranger station and nature museum. In addition, the store maintenance shop, park residences and campground bathrooms were also severely impacted.
The entire park was evacuated Tuesday as the wildfire swept through the grounds, which are renowned for its plentiful redwoods. The park is closed until further notice.
The California Department of Parks and Recreation issued a press release outlining the impacts from the CZU August Lightning Complex Fires in Santa Cruz County.
"Due to the active nature of the wildfires, the public is advised to always check ahead, as conditions may evolve rapidly. State Parks peace officers are patrolling the evacuated parks and assisting in mutual aid," the department said.
PARK FIRST OPENED IN 1902
Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California’s oldest park, having formed officially on Sept. 20, 1902.
Even though there was significant damage, there is hope among officials that the park will recover due to the resiliency of the redwoods.
Sempervirens Conservation director Laura McClendon told CNN that redwood trees are "extremely fire resistant" and many can survive or develop new growth after a wildfire. Coastal redwoods can live for up to 2,200 years.
Thumbnail courtesy of California Department of Parks and Recreation.
Sources: CNN | California Dept. of Parks and Recreation
