VIDEO/PHOTOS: As the Green Fire continues to blaze, businesses around the lake are feeling the impact. However, Shasta Lake Caverns is not only open for tours but also actively assisting firefighting efforts. Despite the smoke, the caverns remain operational, with General Manager Matthew Doyle noting that the McCloud arm has maintained relatively clear air quality, sitting at about 50 to 60 AQI. In contrast, areas like Jones Valley are experiencing AQI levels between 600 and 700.
The caverns have been busy, welcoming over 200 visitors on Monday. In addition to tours, they are actively assisting fire teams by transporting personnel and equipment to a malfunctioning crane helicopter that was forced to land near Sulanharas Creek. We’re transporting vehicles, the transmission out there. Getting a houseboat. Setting that work crew up there so they can start working on that crane helicopter, get that back in operation,” Doyle explained.
“And I just got a call from one of the fire departments so we might be transporting some D-4s to remote locations. Some crews, equipment.” Doyle shared that unless evacuations force their hand, they plan to continue providing tours, as well as supporting fire teams efforts. They even plan to open up their annual dinner cruises on the lake starting this weekend, July 18th.
