Single Publication

Happy Camp Complex Daily Update

Sunday, September 17, 2023

WEATHER: A trend to slightly cooler conditions with an increase in relative humidity will continue today and extend into the week. Isolated thunderstorms are predicted to develop midafternoon and into the early evening. Gusty and erratic winds are expected near thunderstorms. In the Happy Camp and Scott Bar areas, air quality has been poor and limits visibility for driving and aircraft.

FIRE BEHAVIOR: There is a potential for active fire behavior when the smoke clears due to persistent hot and dry weather conditions and forecasted thunderstorms. Heavy dead and down fuels and interior islands of unburned fuel will continue to burn.

WEST SIDE OVERVIEW (acres/containment): Elliot (9,819 acres, 51%),

UFish (6,475 acres, 33%), Hancock (1,729 acres, 100%).

On the UFish Fire, the plan is to continue to assess the fire, particularly in the Titus and Buzzard Creek drainages. Crews will continue to improve roads as contingency lines. On the Elliot Fire, crews will continue to patrol and mop-up firelines between Pony Peak, Browns Creek and the Klamath River. Resource Advisors continue to work with crews to determine and implement appropriate suppression repairs.

EAST SIDE OVERVIEW (acres/containment): Head (6,954 acres, 100%), Townsend (81 acres, 100%), Den (294 acres, 100%), Scott (918 acres, 100%),

Lake (200, acres, 100%), Kings (2 acres, 100%).

All fires on the east side of the Complex continue to be patrolled by infrared flights, as needed, to detect residual heat in the fire areas.

Due to fires on the Six Rivers Lighting Complex, the Happy Camp Complex, and additional fire activity occurring as far away as the Canadian region, increased smoke can be expected in Happy Camp, Seiad Valley, and surrounding communities.

For more information on the Six Rivers Lightning Complex, go to http://www.linktr.ee/srffirepio.

EVACUATIONS: View current Siskiyou County evacuation orders and warnings by visiting https://community.zonehaven.com. Siskiyou County residents are encouraged to sign up for rapid emergency notifications using the CodeRED emergency alert system at: https://bit.ly/SiskiyouCodeRedEmergencyAlert.

CLOSURES AND DELAYS:

•            One-way traffic control is on Highway 96 at various locations, from 5 miles east of Seiad to the Klamath River. Scott River Road is closed between Highway 96 and Mill Creek Road. Elk Creek Road is closed south of Forest Route 15N10 due to a washout. The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from the junction of Shelly Fork Trail at mile 1611.8 north to Seiad Valley at mile 1657.5. An area closure is in effect between Seiad Valley and Oak Knoll, expanding north to FS12 road and south to Scott River Road. Motorists can expect delays in this area. For more information: https://roads.dot.ca.gov/.

•            Two closure orders have been implemented in the Klamath National Forest. Find more information at https://bit.ly/KlamathNFAlertsNotices.

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