Single Publication

CURRENT SITUATION: Thursday was another active day on the fire due to continued northeast winds with smoke visible in the surrounding area. Like yesterday, the wind allowed for a more aggressive attack from the air, but also limited the amount of work done on the ground in some areas due to safety concerns.

While the winds were not as strong as yesterday, the winds still pushed the fire on the southeast in the direction of the Bear Basin Lookout. Previous burns in the area as well as water dropping helicopters helped to slow the movement of the fire. Hand crews will take advantage of opportunities to continue building containment lines on the southwest side of the fire.

The Hurdy Gurdy fire remains active, with some movement on the northwest towards the main fire. Air support slowed progression of the fire, while crews on the ground worked to reinforce fuel breaks and construct containment lines on the northeast side of the fire.

Crews continue to patrol the main fire and look for any increased activity around containment lines. Pockets of fuel within the fire continue to produce visible smoke that pose no risk to containment lines. Elsewhere, along the contained perimeter of the main fire, minimal fire activity is being seen. Crews and local first responders from the Del Norte County area are responding to reports of smoldering fire and smoke along US-199 and are extinguishing any flames. 

WEATHER: Northeast winds will abate and switch westerly by the afternoon. Valley temperatures 69-76°, Ridgetops 62-69°, Valley relative humidity 34-44%, Ridgetops 37-47%. Westerly winds will begin to draw more moist marine air into the region.  Ridgetop winds will be out of the east 4-8 mph before shifting out of the southwest with gusts up to 12 mph.

EVACUATIONS: Some Del Norte County evacuation zones remain under either a Level 2 (Get Set) or Level 1 (Get Ready) evacuation order. View the interactive evacuation map online: tinyurl.com/29vv2wpm.

AIR QUALITY: Smoke outlooks with air quality and forecast information are available here: tinyurl.com/258mfms3.

CLOSURES: US 199 in Del Norte County will be fully closed twice daily, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 11 AM and from 1 PM. to 4 PM. During all open hours, traffic will be one-way and piloted between Madrona and Oregon Mountain Road. Motorists should anticipate delays during all open hours. Caltrans provides information on current highway conditions online (roads.dot.ca.gov), by phone (800-427-7623), and on Facebook (facebook.com/CaltransD1).

Six Rivers National Forest reduced its forest closure order for the Gasquet, Lower Trinity, and Mad River Ranger Districts. The Forks’ Boat Launch, Myrtle Beach River Access and Margie’s River Access are open for public access. Visit updated closure order at https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1139169.pdf.