Single Publication

Fire Update

2023 SRF Lightning Complex 

Friday, September 29, 2023 – 8:00 A.M.

California Interagency Incident Management Team 16

John Goss, Incident Commander

Information Phone: 530-536-0767

Email: 2023.lightningcomplex@firenet.gov 

Information Staffing Hours: 8 am to 8 pm

This update covers 6 of the 15 fires being managed as part of the SRF Lightning Complex. The Copper Fire (2184 acres) was absorbed by the Blue Creek #2 Fire. On September 22, 2023, the Bluff #1 Fire (4270 acres) and Blue Creek #2 Fire (9751 acres) were absorbed by the Mosquito Fire. The combination of Blue Creek #2 Fire, Bluff #1 Fire, and Mosquito Fire is now referred to as the Mosquito Fire. Today we incorporated the management of the Hancock fire. The remaining 6 fires (Big Foot, Blue Creek, Creek, Flat, Iron, and Merrill) totaling 34 acres, are contained and in patrol status. They are checked daily, and their size and containment are unlikely to change. 

Current Situation:

The 15 fires on this incident total 49,293 acres and overall containment is 15%. In total, 661 personnel are assigned to the incident. Transfer of command between Eastern Area Gold Incident Management Team and incoming California Interagency Incident Management Team 16 occurred this morning at 7:00 A.M. It is a common occurrence to transfer command of ongoing fires and both teams are dedicated to making the transition safe and successful.

Crews have been actively assessing the conditions of the Pearch and Mosquito Fires, particularly in response to recent changes in weather conditions. Prioritizing the safety of firefighters and the public is paramount, given that recent rainfall has heightened the risk of fire-weakened trees falling due to the saturation of soil.

Continuous monitoring efforts have been extended to cover the remote Marlow Fire and the north side of the Mosquito Fire. Progress has been made in the implementation of mowing and mastication work along the Bluff Creek Road and Slate Creek Road. This work is intended to establish a fuel break for potential future needs. On the Pearch Fire, the process of backhauling pumps and hoses from locations where they are no longer needed is ongoing. 

Firefighters are closely monitoring the Highway 96 corridor and Salmon River Road for any signs of falling rocks, debris, or fire activity. Both CalTrans and Siskiyou County crews remain on standby to clear roadways if necessary. Special attention is being given to assessing and mitigating the risk posed by fire-weakened trees with root systems affected by wet soils before reengaging on fire control lines. While there has been a reduction in fire activity, several areas still contain heat sources and large diameter trees that continue to burn and generate smoke. Therefore, smoke may remain visible across all areas affected by the fires as warmer and dryer conditions return in the coming days.

Pearch Fire (12,125 acres, 31% contained) – Firefighters will maintain a watchful eye on the Highway 96 corridor and Salmon River Road for falling rocks and debris. Both CalTrans and Siskiyou County crews are ready to promptly clear any obstructions. Continued efforts will focus on packing up and backhauling pumps, hose, and other equipment. While recent rainfall has subdued fire activity to some extent, the fire has not been fully extinguished.

Mosquito Fire (33,319 acres, 10% contained) – Crews and equipment have returned to the Bluff Creek Road and Slate Creek Road to resume mastication work, aimed at creating a fuel break along these routes. Several days of mastication work are anticipated to prepare these roads effectively. Fire managers will maintain vigilance regarding fire activity on the north side, which remains in a remote location. On the east and west sides of the fire, crews continue to secure control lines and address hot spots near the line.

Marlow Fire (1,988 acres, 0% contained) – Minimal activity is reported on the Marlow Fire, which is in a remote area. The fire is contained by indirect control lines to the east and south, as well as prior fire footprints where fuels are less dense. No values or structures are currently threatened by the Marlow Fire.

Monument (2 acres, 100% contained), Let er-Buck (96 acres, 100% contained) and Hancock (1,729 acres, 100% contained) Fires – A confinement strategy has been employed for these three fires due to the limited values at risk and the challenging, remote, and steep terrain, which presents safety concerns for firefighters. Natural fire barriers such as rock outcroppings and old fire footprints with sparse fuels are being used to contain fire growth until the arrival of season-ending precipitation. Regular monitoring ensures that both fires remain within an acceptable perimeter, all are now considered 100% contained.

Weather: Rain is expected to continue off and on through early Saturday. Accumulation across the fire area is expected to range from one-tenth to three-tenths of an inch with the potential for locally higher amounts. Winds on Friday morning will begin out of the southwest gradually shifting to the northwest as the day progresses.  Gust of 20mph can be expected on ridgetops and exposed areas. Relative humidity will range around 60 percent. Temperatures will remain in the 50’s for mid-slopes and ridges and mid 60’s to 70’s in the valleys.

Please stay informed and exercise caution in the affected areas and be aware that warmer and drier conditions may lead to ongoing fire-related challenges.

Evacuation Information

Siskiyou County Office of Emergency Services: https://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/emergencyservices 

Closures

Six Rivers National Forest: Area and campground closures are in effect on portions of Six Rivers National Forest. They can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/srnf/notices/?cid=FSEPRD1096395. 

Additional Fire Information

InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/casrf-2023-srf-lightning-complex-and-redwood-lightning-complex 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/2023SRFRedwoodLightning

More Fire Information Links: www.linktr.ee/srffirepio 

For Air Quality Information: www.airnow.gov 

NOTE: For information about the Elliot Fire which is part of the

Happy Camp Complex, please visit https://linktr.ee/happycampcomplex2023 .