Single Publication

CURRENT SITUATION

This week a series of thunderstorms moved across the Klamath National Forest bringing abundant lightning and igniting roughly 20 fires over the western side of the Forest. The most active of the resulting fires was the Head Fire, burning at the confluence of the Klamath and Scott Rivers. Yesterday the Klamath National Forest brought California Interagency Incident Management Team 5 (CIIMT5) (Mueller) in to manage the fire. With the multiple fires across the Forest, it was decided to manage the majority together as a complex. CIIMT5 was asked to assume command of the Happy Camp Complex, which consists of the following fires: Head, Den, Scott, Gold, Townsend, Elliot, Canyon, Aubrey, Malone, Ufish, Block, and Lake. 

The complex is being managed under an aggressive full suppression strategy to protect life, property, and resources. Efforts will be made to minimize impacts to private property, critical infrastructure, commercial timber assets, and surrounding communities. CIIMT5 absorbed fire resources that were working the fires. Additional ground and air resources have been ordered to support the complex, including Type 1 & 2 hand crews, engines, dozers, and aircraft. Currently assigned to the incident are five Type 1 hand crews, five Type 2 hand crews, fifty-seven Type 3 engines, five dozers, four water tenders one heavy helicopter, and one air attack. There are also three rotor wing air assets, not assigned to us, though available if we need to call on them. Unfortunately, most aircraft have been unable to fly due to smoke. In some areas the smoke lifted, and aircraft were able to support the Den, Scott, and Gold fires.

Yesterday evening the complex sent ground resources to assist with the Den Fire. Fire engines performed structure protection and put in a hose lay around a majority of the fire perimeter while hand crews anchored in and cut line around the heel and flanks of the fire. We want to thank our partners from CAL FIRE and the Klamath River Hose Company for their help on the Den Fire. These local volunteer fire companies are critical partners in keeping communities safe.

Today the priority was constructing containment lines around the Head, Den, Scott, Gold, Townsend, Ufish, and Malone, as life and safety is our highest concern. Today’s forecasted weather was similar to yesterday’s, with a smoke inversion lying over the fire area and communities in the morning and evening. The Den fire has a 20 acre spot fire, but was quickly picked up and firefighters will continue to secure containment line.

This afternoon the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office announced they identified a man found deceased in the Head Fire. Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends. For more information visit the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

Today a Damage Assessment Team is working to evaluate the damage sustained to structures within the fires area. Their assessment is ongoing. As of this evening, there are nine damaged or destroyed structures.

For information about evacuations, go to the Siskiyou County OES evacuation map at https://protect.genasys.com/search