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River Complex 2021

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Unit Information

1711 S. Main St 
Yreka, 
96097 
1711 S. Main St 
Yreka, 
96097 

Incident Contacts

  • Fire Information Line
    Email:
    2021.river@firenet.gov
    Phone:
    530-598-9353
    Hours:
    8 am - 8 pm, Daily
  • Trinity County Office of Emergency Services
    Phone:
    530-623-8223
    Hours:
    9 am - 6 pm, M-F

River Complex Fire update 08.13.2021

River Complex 2021
Publication Type: News 08/14/2021

Large fire growth occurred on the southeast flank of Haypress with most of the spread in McNeil creek, up to Adams and Packers peak on the Klamath and Shasta-Trinity forest border. Infrared data shows the fire is backing downslope to the east into Coffee Creek near the Crosby and Thompson Gulch area. The Coffee Creek area is an area of very dense continuous mixed conifer forest with no previously recorded fire history. The Summer fire had limited growth to the north west, while the Cronan showed some backing fire to the south west.

Yesterday: Night operations monitored and patrolled in key areas where fires were backing toward Summerville and along the South Fork of the Salmon River. Fire crews assigned to Coffee Creek continue to assess structures in the area and are preparing a structure protection plan.

Today:

  • Contain fire to the south side of the Cecilville/Callahan Road on the north side of the Haypress
  • Contain the slop-over on the north side of the Cronan and tie line back into the 51 Road
  • Conduct firing operations where feasible to strengthen containment lines and remove available fuels for the fire to consume
  • Continue direct and indirect line on the north side of the Summer and the south side of the Haypress to keep fire from progressing into the Summerville area
  • All fires are planned for full suppression

Fire Behavior: Observed fire behavior included group tree torching and moderate duration crown fire runs in extremely dry fuels and vegetation and steep terrain. Large fire growth is expected on the head or east side of the Haypress with rapid spread toward the ridge between the Klamath and Shasta-Trinity National Forests. Crews on the ground reported moderate fire activity overnight Thursday into Friday morning.

Weather: A local Red Flag Warning is in effect for the River Complex Friday afternoon through Friday night for isolated dry thunderstorms and possible gusty outflow winds of between 35 and 45 mph. Hot and unstable conditions coupled with monsoonal moisture will support the thunderstorm potential. Incident meteorologists are monitoring weather and storm development 24 hours a day.

Fire Statistics:

  • Total complex 36,954 acres (4,305 acres growth) - 10% Containment
  • Haypress Fire: 23,698 acres (3,566 acres growth) - 3% Contained
  • Summer Fire: 11,398 acres (643 acres growth) – 2% Contained
  • Cronan Fire: 1,826 acres (93 acres growth) – 3% Contained
  • Multiple other smaller fires make up the total complex acres with a total of 2% containment. All other fires are either out or in patrol status.

Evacuations:

  • Evacuation Order: Cecilville, Summerville, Petersburg, and Coffee Creek past Sugar Pine Campground in Trinity County.
  • Evacuation Warning: Sawyers Bar

An evacuation order means there is immediate threat to life and is a lawful order to leave immediately. The area is closed to public access.

An evacuation warning means there is a potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate, and those with pets and livestock should leave now.

Road Closures: The Callahan-Cecilville Road is closed from approximately one mile west of the community of Callahan to Cecilville. The Sawyers Bar Road is closed from Forks of Salmon to Forest Road 40N51. Trinity County has closed Coffee Creek Road west of Sugar Pine Campground.

Forest Closures:

  • The Shasta-Trinity, Klamath and Six Rivers National Forests have issued an order closing the Trinity Alps Wilderness through November 15, 2021. Trails and recreational areas are all closed.
  • The Klamath and Six Rivers National Forests have closed the Marble Mountain and Russian Wildernesses and the forest within the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District. All roads, trails and recreation areas are closed to the public through September 15, 2021.

Resources:

  • 645 Personnel
  • 12 Hand Crews
  • 5 Helicopters
  • 31 Engines
  • 8 Dozers
  • 6 Water Tenders
  • 4 Masticators

Smoke Report: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/NorthernCalifornia

For additional information, call the River Complex Fire information line at (707) 596-6075

View and download full update (.pdf file)