Single Publication

An increase in fire activity indicated today that the fuels around the Happy Camp Complex are drying out. The temperature rose, and relative humidity dropped as the inversion lifted. Fire behavior transitioned from surface fire to single and multiple trees igniting. The Elliot, Ufish, and Swillup fires experienced short-range spotting and rolling material, which was the primary growth mechanism. Tonight, crews are watching these fires closely and will use tactical firing when necessary to protect the values at risk.

Progress continued on the Head fire, and direct line construction is going well. Fixed-wing aircraft were used to drop retardant on the east side of the Head fire, slowing the fire’s spread and helping crews on the ground. 

Thunderstorms have formed to the south and are moving northward toward the Elliot fire. The storms will bring abundant lightning and could challenge the fire lines with gusty outflow winds this evening. The storms may bring light to moderate rain. A Red Flag Warning will expire Friday morning at 5:00 a.m.

WEST SIDE OVERVIEW (ACRES/CONTAINMENT): Elliot (2,861 acres, 3%), Swillup (1,714 acres, 0%), Malone (276 acres, 7%), Ufish (1,161 acres, 0%)

*Though the Elliot fire did grow today, the majority of new acreage is due to adding in the acreage of the Three Creeks and Canyon fires. The three fires have grown together, now known as the Elliot fire.

EAST SIDE OVERVIEW (ACRES/CONTAINMENT): Head (6,648 acres, 19%), Block (0.1 acres, 100%), Townsend (81 acres, 100%), Den (294 acres, 95%), Gold (968 acres, 60%), Scott (367 acres, 45%), Lake (174 acres, 5%)

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 CONDITIONS: State Route 96 is now OPEN after closure due to the Happy Camp Complex. One-way traffic control remains in place in several areas while crews work to repair damaged infrastructure, remove debris, and stabilize slopes. Delays at the locations with one-way traffic control will be up to 15 minutes. For the exact locations of where this work is taking place, please use 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.

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. The 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 regarding 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
• Incident Website: inciweb.wildfire.gov