CRATER LAKE, Ore. (AP) -- At least 10 small lightning-caused fires are burning in remote regions of Crater Lake National park, but fire crews are combating them with eco-friendly tactics.
Crews are trying to surround the fires with minimum disturbance to the forest while allowing some areas to burn naturally, fire officials said. Helicopters were expected Monday to help 100 firefighters manning the fires.
Although the park received nearly half an inch of rain during recent storms, smoldering spots were expected to flare up Monday, said Wayne Patterson, fire information officer for the U.S. Forest Service.
The largest blaze was believed to be between 35 and 45 acres, Patterson said.
The fires are several miles from roads, nature centers and campgrounds, and pose no threat to visitors, he said. But the Pacific Crest Trail, located in the park's western reaches, was closed because of proximity to the fires.
Crews likely will work for several more days to contain the fires, Patterson said.
