Single Publication

Monday, September 25, 2023

WEATHER: Much needed rain will dominate the fire area today into Tuesday morning accompanied by a cooler, windier trend. Monday afternoon the wind will be 10-15 mph with gusts up to 25mph and up to 30mph on ridgetops. Significant rainfall is expected within this system with 0.50-0.75-inch likely, and up to 1.25 inches in isolated areas and in higher terrain. The heaviest rainfall is expected Monday morning and will continue throughout the day.

Fire Restrictions: Fire restrictions remain in place to help minimize the chances of human-caused wildland fires. These restrictions prohibit campfires outside of established recreation and wilderness areas. https://bit.ly/KlamathNFAlertsNotices

FIRE BEHAVIOR: Wind from this weather system is expected to have little impact over most of the fire area. Available fuels will continue to be consumed within the perimeter before and during the rainfall.

UFISH FIRE: 7,603 acres at 75% containment.

ELLIOT FIRE: 13,649 acres at 70% containment.

Firefighters will get a much-needed break today as forecasted rain will provide them a chance to evaluate the ability to access the fire line safely in the Titus Creek drainage. Resources will evaluate the at-risk cultural and natural resources, the community of Happy Camp, critical infrastructure that serves Happy Camp, Highway 96, the Klamath National Wild and Scenic River, and the Siskiyou Wilderness. The Titus Creek drainage remains a priority for the Ufish Fire. Open lines are being monitored by firefighters on the ground. Swillup Creek to Pony Peak and into Dillon Creek is a priority for the Elliot Fire.

No significant movement or fire growth is anticipated in this area.

Hazard tree removal remains a priority. Crews are working in the Bear Creek area.Weather permitting, suppression repair will continue along multiple areas of the incident as crews continue to backhaul equipment and pull hose off the line on the Ufish Fire.

Patrolling and mop-up will also continue as weather permits today.

SMOKE EFFECTS: Yesterday, air quality greatly improved near the I-5 corridor and in Scott Valley due to favorable winds from the south and very little smoke production across the area. Smoke lingered in Happy Camp and along Highway 96 but improved as the day progressed. For today, we should see those same favorable winds in the morning as we await the rain. Precipitation will begin about midday and will continue through tomorrow morning. This rain event will bring ‘Good’ air quality across the region and will last for the next several days. For more details on smoke movement, go to Wildfire Smoke Outlook.

EVACUATIONS: View current Siskiyou County evacuation orders and warnings by visiting https://community.zonehaven.com. Siskiyou County residents, make sure you are signed up for the CodeRED emergency alert system at: https://bit.ly/SiskiyouCodeRedEmergencyAlert.

CLOSURES: A closure order has been implemented in the Klamath National Forest. Find more information at https://bit.ly/KlamathNFAlertsNotices.

As hunting season continues, please be aware of area closures within our national forests. Contact local Forest Service offices for specific information.

DELAYS: One-way traffic control is on Highway 96 at various locations, from 5 miles east of Seiad to Klamath River. https://roads.dot.ca.gov/