Lassen County Sheriff John McGarva criticized federal firefighting efforts during the Bug Fire at the Board of Supervisors meeting on August 18.
He reported that last Wednesday, after controlled burns, a sudden wind shift caused a blowout that damaged Highway 395 and led to a death and an injury in the county.
McGarva said Lassen County had limited resources on its side of the fire before the incident. The sheriff is investigating the events and plans to contact federal officials to address concerns about the fire management.
He urged the board to contact federal firefighting supervisors as well.
McGarva explained that federal crews often respond to wildfires by setting more fire on the ground. He witnessed flames on both sides of Highway 395 and questioned the decision, saying it sometimes defies common sense.
He pointed out that local weather patterns showed a wind shift and an incoming thunder cell around 1:30 p.m. He said federal teams could have avoided the blowout by consulting local experts.
The sheriff described the incident as predictable and preventable. He expressed deep concern about public safety and promised his office would keep investigating the situation.
