UC Davis natural reserves closed after destruction from LNU Lightning Complex fires

Three University of California, Davis natural reserves are closed indefinitely after the LNU Lightning Complex severely damaged and burned the areas.

Stebbins Cold Canyon, Quail Ridge Reserve and McLaughlin Reserve are used for research at the university, but endured damage in need of repair and rebuilding, according to the university’s website.

Quail Ridge director Shane Waddell’s residence at the reserve, along with eight tent cabins and a university pickup truck, were destroyed by fire, UC Davis staff confirmed Friday. Waddell and his family evacuated Aug. 18, returning a few days later to find the home “completely destroyed,” Jeffrey Clary, associate director of the UC Davis Natural Reserves System, said in a news release.

Other structures, including the field station, researcher home and studio apartment for faculty investigators, remained standing. Most of the all-terrain vehicles in the reserve were also fine.

Waddell believes the threat facing the Quail Ridge Reserve appeared to be decreased, while the flames in Stebbins Cold Canyon continue to burn through vegetation.

“His impression was that remaining infrastructure was not threatened by any smoldering fires. On the drive, he observed that Stebbins Cold Canyon appeared to have completely burned on both slopes. There was too much smoke to see detail, however,” Clary said.

The LNU Lightning Complex Fire is a group of fires that has burned more than 368,000 acres (575 square miles) across parts of Napa, Sonoma, Lake, Solano and Yolo counties since sparking Aug. 17 during a flurry of lightning strikes, according to a Thursday morning update from Cal Fire.

“We will be identifying targets for resilient rebuilding and reopening very soon,” the university’s website said.

For anyone who would like to donate, visit the Natural Reserve System Giving page.