The Carr Fire on July 23, 2018 as viewed over Whiskeytown Lake.
Credit: NPS/R Hall

March 31, 2021 - WHISKEYTOWN, Calif. – On Tuesday the National Park Service (NPS) released the findings of the 2018 Carr Fire Investigation. The Investigation is comprised of three reports: The Origin and Cause Report, Multidisciplinary Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) Report, and the Damage Inspection Report.

Investigators determined the cause of the fire was a mechanical failure of a travel trailer.

“This investigation offered insight into the cause of the fire and the resulting destruction. We appreciate all the contributions from our partners and sister agencies who helped ensure the investigation was thorough, well-coordinated and met our goals for transparency,” said Josh Hoines, Superintendent of Whiskeytown National Recreation Area. “I recognize that reviewing these reports may be difficult for some individuals, but we hope this information will bring closure for all members of our community.”

The Carr Fire began July 23, 2018 and burned 229,651 acres in and around Whiskeytown National Recreation Area, French Gulch, Shasta, Keswick and Redding, California. The fire resulted in more than 1.6 billion dollars in damages. Whiskeytown National Recreation Area maintains a Carr Fire and Recovery website which will have links to the Investigation Reports. The Carr Fire Investigation Reports can also be found on the National Park Service Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Reading Room website https://www.nps.gov/aboutus/foia/foia-frd.htm in the “Recently Added Material” section.

Please check the park website www.nps.gov/whis or Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/whiskeytownnationalrecreationarea/ for the latest information.
Source: NPS