Northern California’s Shoe Fire now fully contained; blaze blackened more than 5,000 acres

The Shoe Fire in Shasta County is now fully contained, U.S. Forest Service officials announced this week, but with forecast rains come new concerns.

Forest Service crews contained the month-long blaze that burned through timber and chaparral in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest after it had charred 5,124 acres.

“The impact of the fire has been revealed, and the long-term effects on the affected area are significant,” officials said in an update.

Adding to the concerns, heavy rainfall Monday with a second round expected through the week over the burn area, threatening to undo the work done to repair the burn scar.

“If this crisis is not addressed properly, the potential consequences could be severe, due to the heavy rains forecast this week,” Forest Service officials said in a news release on Monday.

The fire broke out Oct. 9 near the Madrone Campground east of Shasta Lake. More than 500 firefighters battled the blaze at its peak as the fire marched through steep, rugged terrain. Crews were still patrolling the fire’s perimeter and the forest remains temporarily closed, Forest Service officials said.

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