Single Publication

Today, firefighters moved in on the fires of the Happy Camp Complex. As predicted, fire behavior was significantly calmer than in previous operational periods. Up to 2 ½ inches of rain was received over portions of the Head Fire last night, making vegetation much less receptive to fire. The damp conditions provided an opportunity to go directly onto the fire’s edge on most of the 13 fires burning in the complex.

Dozers and crews went direct across the northwest section of the Head Fire, and a plan was developed to send crews from Collins Baldy Lookout to the south and west. Firefighters in the Scott Bar area worked to tie in multiple fingers of fire. Crews and dozers will continue their work on the west side of the Head Fire, south of Hamburg.

There was some growth in the Gold and Scott Fires. Control lines have been completed to the southeast of those fires, and the current focus is completing line construction on the north side.

The west side of the complex remained active, and helicopters were used to hold the Elliot Fire in Dillon Creek as it tried to push to the north. A plan was developed to address the potential of the northward movement of the Swillup Fire. The Malone Fire grew slightly, and firefighters are constructing and improving fire lines.

Drier air will move over the region, leading to sunny skies with higher temperatures and lower relative humidity. Fuels will start to dry out, and fire behavior will once again become more active over the next few days.

CURRENT ACRES BURNED:

Canyon (1,108), Three Creeks (320), Elliot (669), Swillup (576), Ufish (583), Malone (156), Head (6,419), Den (294), Townsend (81), Block (0.1), Gold (936), Scott (300), Lake (174)

EVACUATIONS:  View current Siskiyou County evacuation orders, warnings by visiting: community.zonehaven.com. Siskiyou County residents are encouraged to sign up for rapid emergency notifications using the CodeRED emergency alert system. https://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/emergencyservices/page/codered-emergency-alert

An evacuation center has been established at the Kahtishraam Wellness Center, 1403 Kahtishraam, Yreka, CA 95097. Call (530) 340-3539 if you have questions regarding the shelter.

ROAD CLOSURES: Highway 96 is closed from Seiad Creek Road to two miles east of Horse Creek.  Scott River Road is closed at Kelsey Creek Road. Fire and debris flow will continue to impact the Highway 96 corridor. Please check the Cal Trans website prior to travel in the area, quickmap.dot.ca.gov.  County road closures will be listed on the Siskiyou County Public Works website, https://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/publicworks/page/closures-and-delays . If you are traveling and encounter mud or debris flow across the roadway do not attempt to cross over the flow. Vehicles can easily be swept off the roadway.

FOREST CLOSURE: Two closure orders have been implemented; Happy Camp Complex Emergency Fire Closure, No.05-05-23-06; Happy Camp Complex Emergency Fire Closure, No. 05-05-23-07. Please refer to https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices to view the orders and maps.

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION (TFR): A TFR has been established over the fire area. Flight restrictions include the use of drones. Operation of drones under the TFR is prohibited.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL: The Pacific Crest Trail has been impacted by the Happy Camp Complex and a portion of the trail is within an Emergency Closure Order on the Klamath National Forest. The trail is closed between Etna Summit and the Oregon border.

AIR QUALITY: For information smoke impacts and what you can do to protect yourself visit: https://www.airnow.gov/

• Fire Information:
• Public Phone: (530) 330-5441
• Media Phone: (530) 330-5452*
• Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily
• Email: 2023.happycampcomplex@firenet.gov

*Please note: a new phone line has been established for media inquiries.