Witnesses

Witnesses

Artistic rendition of dead Joshua Trees near the Lost Horse Mine in Joshua Tree National Park. 450 acres were scorched by a fire in May 2009. Twelve hikers were trapped by the fire and airlifted to safety. April 10, 2010
SoCalHiker
on Apr 15, 2010 10:59 am
Image Type(s): Hiking,  Scenery
Image ID: 613600

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mountaingazelle

mountaingazelle - Apr 16, 2010 7:15 pm - Voted 10/10

Was it

human or natural caused? I hiked up Lost Horse Mountain a few months before the fire occured. If people were airlifted then it must have happened all of a sudden?

SoCalHiker

SoCalHiker - Apr 18, 2010 8:29 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: Was it

I am not absolutely certain but I remember to have read that it had natural causes. Cheers, Guido

lcarreau

lcarreau - Apr 23, 2010 12:00 pm - Voted 10/10

Re: Was it

Here's the NPS news release :

"A wildfire ignited from unknown causes within Joshua Tree National Park on Sunday afternoon, May 24. Called the Lost Horse Fire, for the nearby Lost Horse Mine, the fire began shortly before 4 p.m. in a remote area of rugged hills between Geology Tour and Keys View roads. Vegetation fueling the fire included Joshua trees, pinyon pines, and junipers, as well as desert scrub. Gusty afternoon winds spread the fire over approximately 100 acres by 7 p.m.

Twelve visitors were hiking on the Lost Horse Mine Trail on Sunday when they encountered the fire and were unable to retreat back down the trail. The hikers, though never in any immediate danger, were airlifted to safety by helicopter at about 7 p.m. ..."

SoCalHiker

SoCalHiker - Apr 23, 2010 12:46 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: Was it

Thanks Larry. Cheers

SoCalHiker

SoCalHiker - Apr 23, 2010 12:47 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: i really like this photo

Yeah, you are right. Thanks for your comment and vote. Cheers.

lisae

lisae - Apr 23, 2010 2:19 pm - Voted 10/10

We

hiked up Lost Horse Peak in March. I noticed that some of the Yucca burnt in the fire are starting to regenerate...

SoCalHiker

SoCalHiker - Apr 23, 2010 2:35 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: We

Correct. There are many signs of regeneration. Thanks. Cheers.

SoCalHiker

SoCalHiker - Apr 30, 2010 8:39 pm - Hasn't voted

Re: Did this burn....

I am not sure how exactly the fire started. It was reportedly a natural cause. I don't know how the vegetation looked like in the area before the burn, but my guess is dry low bushes and shrubs.

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