Bybee fire in Crater Lake National Park closes Pacific Crest Trail – Medford News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News

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Bybee fire in Crater Lake National Park closes Pacific Crest Trail Jul 29, 2016 12:00 AM A A A 50-acre fire on the west side of Crater Lake National Park has closed the Pacific Crest Trail. Called the Bybee fire, it was discovered Thursday afternoon near the junction of the Lightning Springs Trail and the PCT. Though the PCT is closed, Crater Lake National Park is still open to visitors and the Britt Orchestra and Ensemble performances are continuing as scheduled today and tomorrow. The fire is burning in dead and downed timber on relatively flat terrain with numerous spot and tree fires, the South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership said in a press release. The cause of the fire is under investigation. Three helicopters, eight rappellers, smokejumpers, two 20-person crews, a 10-person squad and two air tankers are fighting the fire. Two heavy air tankers based out of Medford were part of initial attack efforts, the SCOFMP said. The weather forecast for the fire area today is sunny with a high around 83 and light winds. Fire information will be available at www.scofmp.org. The Bybee fire is burning 50 acres in the Crater Lake National Park. Photo courtesy South Central Oregon Fire Management Partnership