Single Publication

River Complex Fire Update

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Etna, Calif, — A virtual town meeting will be held tonight, August 18, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. on the Klamath National Forest Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/KlamathNF. Questions can be submitted ahead of time at 2021.river@firenet.gov. 

The fire will remain active today with continued breezy conditions which will provide clear air and good ventilation conducive to burning conditions. Firefighters will continue to focus on preparing for structure defense in communities threatened by the fires. Crews will also continue constructing and improving fire lines where safely able to do so. 

Weather:  Another dry and breezy day Wednesday will result in elevated fire weather potential across the River Complex. Stronger winds aloft will continue to keep the majority of the drift smoke off to the southeast. The clearer air will allow for breezy winds to reach the surface, and when coupled with dry air will result in continued elevated fire weather conditions through Wednesday.

Today:  

• Elevated fire weather may result continuing active fire behavior.

• Contain fire to the south side of the Cecilville/Callahan Road on the north side of the Haypress 

• Continue mop up and patrol of existing control lines, monitor for spot fires and slop-overs on all River Complex fires.

• Conduct firing operations where feasible to strengthen containment lines and remove available fuels for the fire to consume.

• Continue direct and indirect line construction and firing operations on the north side of the Summer and the south side of the Haypress to keep the fire from progressing towards communities.

• All fires within the River Complex are being managed under a full suppression tactics plan.

Fire Behavior: 

Haypress Fire: The Haypress fire continues to back down towards Cecilville/Callahan Road. The majority of the activity is on the east side of the fire in the area of Coffee Creek Road. The several spots that were east of the road burned together and made some good runs up to Grouse Ridge and are now backing into Union Creek.

Summer Fire: The Summer fire continues slowing back down towards Summerville and the Haypress Fire. It is most active on the western flank near Cecil Creek Road and on the south flank as it burns around Grizzly Meadows area.

Cronan Fires: The Cronan fire will continue growth on the western flank as the fire is well established in the Olsen Creek and is making its way up to the Yellowjacket Ridge. It also is backing down into the next creek to the west, Big Creek. Crews will continue to fire off Yellowjacket Ridge to limit the potential for head runs spotting across their planned control line. 

Fire Statistics: Total complex 48,214 acres, 10% Containment

Haypress Fire: 31,732 acres (2,779 acres growth) 3% Contained

Summer Fire: 14,102 acres (1,049 acres growth) 2% Contained

Cronan Fire: 2,343 acres (269 acres growth) 18% Contained

Multiple other smaller fires (37 total acres) make up the total River 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 Road past Sugar Pine Trailhead 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 Trailhead.

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:

752 Personnel 

16 Hand Crews

7 Helicopters

38 Engines

8 Dozers

11 Water Tender

1 Masticators

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

For additional information, call the River Complex Fire information line at (707) 596-6075 or go to the InciWeb page at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7760/