Six Rivers Christmas tree not at risk

The Christmas tree selected for the U.S. Capitol this year that is coming from Six Rivers National Forest is not in fire danger as wildfires rage across the state, a spokesperson for the U.S. Forest Service said.

“There are currently no wildfires in the vicinity of the 2021 People’s Tree, which will be harvested from the Mad River Ranger District,” said Samantha Reho with the Forest Service.

The Mccash Fire is burning in the Six Rivers National

Forest. The fire was started July 31 and is more than 27,000 acres with 1% containment. The closest area to the fire is Somes Bar in Siskiyou County.

A tree named “Sugar Bear,” an 84-foot white fir, was selected in July as the tree that will be used at the U.S. Capitol this year as the Christmas tree.

“Selecting a tree to adorn the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol comes with a unique set of challenges in any given year, but especially with this being the second year the search and selection has been conducted virtually,”

Jim Kaufmann, director of Capitol Grounds and Arboretum, said at the time. “Thanks to drone footage, comprehensive photos, compelling narration, and detailed notes and measurements, we were able to select a majestic white fir that very well represents the Six Rivers National Forest and the great state of California.”

Amid the vicious fire season that has burned more acres in California this year than from the same time last year, Reho said there are precautions in place to protect Sugar Bear.