Single Publication

Please join us for a virtual public meeting and update for the Happy Camp Complex on Saturday, August 26th, at 5:30 p.m. Fire personnel will provide an operational overview of the fire situation. The meeting will be live-streamed on Facebook (facebook.com/Klamath NF) and YouTube (youtube.com/@ciimt5). A Facebook account is not necessary to view the meeting.

Clear skies and lower relative humidity increased fire behavior throughout the Happy Camp Complex today. Aircraft were used on both the west and east sides of the complex to aid firefighters and slow the spread of the fires. Smoke production increased, most notably the Scott Fire, which developed a large column this afternoon.  

WEST SIDE OVERVIEW (ACRES/CONTAINMENT): Elliot (4,463 acres, 3%), Swillup (1,768 acres, 0%), Malone (413 acres, 7%), Ufish (1,255 acres, 0%)

The west side of the complex was very active today. Fixed-wing aircraft and water-dropping helicopters supported firefighters on the ground as they continued to hold the Highway 96 corridor and protect structures. Firefighters assisted local resources with a new lightning fire west of the Elliot Fire. The Elliot, Swillup, Ufish, and Malone fires increased in acreage today. Tonight, firefighters will use limited tactical firing operations to tie the Elliot Fire back into the south side of Coon Creek. Crews will also patrol the State Route 96 corridor and the Swillup Fire, where a structure threat still exists.

EAST SIDE OVERVIEW (ACRES/CONTAINMENT): Head (6,683 acres, 19%), Block (0.1 acres, 100%), Townsend (81 acres, 100%), Den (294 acres, 95%), Scott (1,469 acres, 50%), Lake (191 acres, 5%)

The Scott and Gold fires burned together today and will now be known as the Scott Fire. The fire remained active but remained within the contingency lines constructed. The fire continues to back toward Scott River. Firefighters will keep a close watch due to the potential for spotting across the river.

On the Head Fire, crews completed line construction on the east flank from State Route 96 to Collins Baldy Lookout, and down to Scott Bar. Firefighters will now shift their efforts to the northwest and west flanks of the fire.  

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