Monument Fire North Zone Update, August 30, 2021

Monument Fire North Zone Update

August 30, 2021

RESOURCES: 2,339 personnel, 35 hand crews, 176 engines, 20 helicopters, 56 dozers, 56 water tenders, 8 skidgines, 21 masticators, 2 excavators.

CURRENT SITUATION:  The fire is estimated at 164,746 acres and 29% contained. With continued hot weather and clearer air, portions of the fire did become extremely active Sunday afternoon and into the night. Similar conditions are expected again today along with wind gusts of up to 25 miles an hour after 4 p.m. across some parts of the fire.

Monument Fire resources will continue to assist with a new fire today. Named the Knob Fire, it is burning in Humboldt County near Willow Creek in the Six Rivers National Forest. It started yesterday afternoon in the China Creek drainage south of CA 299 and was estimated at 250 acres as of midnight. Both the Monument and McCash Fires sent resources yesterday to assist local Six Rivers National Forest units. Evacuations are in effect in Humboldt county and can be viewed at: tinyurl.com/humcoevacmap

The Monument Fire continued to burn to the north and northeast in the Trinity Alps Wilderness and has progressed down to the North Fork of the Trinity. Firefighters plan to use an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) with an infrared camera today to see if the fire has crossed to the east bank. If the air is clear enough to use helicopters, the plan is to drop buckets of water in that area to keep the fire west of the North Fork or at least slow its advance on the east side. Nearby crews will continue to strengthen and improve a series of lines on the East Fork Road, in Hobo Gulch, and along Canyon Creek Road, in case the fire continues to progress to the east.

On the southwest side of the fire above Hayfork, the fire was very active in Sims Gap area. Crews on Pattison Ridge continue use small “check lines” to slow its advance. A primary containment line, as well as an alternate line on Hyampom Road, are in place and are being improved to protect that area as the fire continues to move to the west and southwest. Fire managers expect the fire to continue to move toward Hyampom Road, but how fast it moves will depend on wind direction and how often, and how early, the smoke clears. As the smoke clears the fuels get more heating from the sun and better ventilation. North Zone personnel are constantly communicating with their counterparts at CAL FIRE in the Hayfork area to coordinate efforts where the two zones meet.

After two weeks of managing the fire the Alaska Incident Management Team will turn over control of the North Zone to California Incident Management Team 5 tomorrow morning (CAL FIRE Team 5 will continue to manage the South Zone). “We know the people of this area have had a tough couple of years and fire season is not over,” said Alaska IMT Incident Commander Norm McDonald. “We appreciate the support and cooperation we have gotten from the public, from CAL FIRE Team 5, Trinity County and all the many, many cooperating agencies,” McDonald added.

CA HIGHWAY 299: The highway has reopened with restrictions on the times public travel is allowed through the fire area. Five times a day, starting at 7:00 a.m. and ending at 7:00 p.m., pilot cars will lead vehicle caravans in the section between Burnt Ranch and Helena. These groups will leave from both sides every three hours. Residents may also travel this section of highway between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. by showing proof of their address.

WEATHER: Hot with strong winds out of the west-southwest developing in the afternoon and continuing into the evening. Clearer air is expected on the west and north sides of the fire earlier today which should allow helicopters to fly earlier but will also promote fire growth.

EVACUATION ORDERS: In effect for Barker Mountain, the NW portion of Hayfork Summit and North Hayfork Valley, north of Highway 3 including the north side of Hyampom Road from Hayfork to 9-mile bridge.

EVACUATION WARNINGS: In effect for Big Bar, Big Flat, Burnt Ranch, Douglas City, Junction City, areas south from Barker Mountain to Haystack, Denny, Hawkins Bar and Trinity Village. Additional areas south of State Road 3 and Hyampom Road from Hayfork Summit through the Town of Hayfork to 9-Mile Bridge are also in a warning status. For more details see the Trinity County Office Sheriff Facebook page at Trinity County Sheriff's Office | Facebook

EVACUATION CENTERS:  American Red Cross Shelters are at Shasta College, 11555 Old Oregon Trail, Building 1900, Redding CA; Willow Creek Bible Church, 39 Brannan Mountain Road, Willow Creek, CA; and Fireman’s Hall Pavilion, 9 Park Street in Fortuna.

FOREST CLOSURE: Due to extreme fire conditions throughout northern California, and lack of additional fire resources, the USDA Forest Service has temporarily closed nine National Forests, including the Shasta-Trinity. The closure order is at https://go.usa.gov/xF7EM. Questions can be directed to https://www.fs.usda.gov/main/r5/about-region/offices or by calling 707-562-9113 or email SM.FS.R5inquiries@usda.gov.

ANIMAL EVACUATIONS: Domestic Animals: Trinity County Animal Shelter, located at 563 Mountain View St., Weaverville, CA (530- 623-1370) Domestic + Large Animals: Hoopa Rodeo Grounds on Pine Creek Rd, Hoopa, CA.

CLEAN AIR CENTERS: Trinity County has established a Clean Air Center at the Trinity County Library, 351 Main Street, Weaverville. Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1-6 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

PROPERTY DAMAGE ASSESSMENTS:  Damage assessment teams have confirmed 50 structures have been destroyed.  For questions or information regarding the status of your property, call Trinity County Office of Emergency Services (OES) at 530-623-8223.