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Current Situation:

3-9 Fire: 1,430 acres with 0% containment

Pilot Fire: 913 acres with 26% containment and air support 

Pelllitreau Fire: 3 acres with 100% containment

Sulphur Fire: 31 acres with 20% containment

20% overall containment for the Complex

People and Equipment: 548 personnel, crews, engines, dozers, water tenders

3-9 Fire: Firefighters continue to improve the dozer line down to Pilot Creek on the southwestern perimeter and put in handline along Pilot Creek going north. Firefighters were able to go direct on the northwest side along the Route 1 road. They are also able to go direct along the ridgeline to Bennett Peak and were able to get a dozer in on the north side. The strategy is to build an indirect line using an existing road on the east side as going direct is not feasible in this steep snag-ridden area.

Pilot Fire: In general, good progress is being made on the containment lines of this fire. Hand-line has been completed along the east side along Grouse Creek. Dozer line is in along the southern, western and northern perimeter of this fire. Firefighters are working on a contingency dozer line east of the fire in case the fire moves beyond the handline. A satellite camp has been established for the Pilot firefighters to reduce their travel time to the fire.

There are no real issues with the Pellitreau and Sulfur fires; they are both currently in patrol status. The increase in acreage on the Pellitreau fire is due to better mapping data.

Falling snags have already injured several firefighters this season in California. Falling snags that become rolling burning logs (“rollouts”) can spread fire. Widespread concentrations of fire-weakened snags remain the primary challenge to firefighters.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Weather models show a warming trend will occur which will continue to dry fuels and likely increase fire behavior. High pressure will build into the region today and begin a warming trend through Wednesday and a drying trend through Thusday. Temperatures will rise at least 10 degrees today from yesterday. The Pilot Fire and 3-9 Fires will continue to burn heavier fuels within the perimeter and wind may test control lines. Spot fires created by rollout will continue to present an issue with several areas of the fire. Major movement of the fire is unlikely without a wind event.

Evacuation Warning:

These remain in effect. Please continue to check the Trinity County Wildfire and Evacuation site for up-to-date status and locations: Trinity County Wildfire and Evacuation Map

Forest Closure: There are new Forest Closure orders for the South Fork Complex Fire that have been posted on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website home page and on the Six Rivers National Forest (click on Forest Closures). Please avoid the closed areas.