Location: Siskiyou County, CA
 
Size: 60,389 acres  
 
Percent Contained: 80 % 
 
Cause: Under Investigation  
 
Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory), Tall Grass, and Brush  
 
Number of Personnel Assigned: 2,459  
 
Start Date: Friday July 29, 2022 at 2:15pm  

The McKinney Fire has reached 80% containment thanks to all of the hard work by fire personnel. Mop-up continues and is a crucial and tedious operation. Firefighters sift through ash and soot in search of hot spots or areas of concern until they reach bare mineral soil. Using water in this procedure ensures that ash pits are cooled off, giving the fireline more security and reducing residual smoke. Pack it in, pack it out- crews hike out every inch of hose brought in, even if the hose had been burned over, to help restore the landscape back to its natural state. To reduce scarring of the landscape crews work to repair contingency lines built using bulldozers. Contingency lines were built to protect the fire from entering surrounding communities should the original firelines have failed in the initial stages of the fire.  
 

A new start was called in at approximately 1:00pm on Thursday afternoon in the Scott Bar area on an east facing slope. This fire began at about ¼ acre and grew to 14 acres. Klamath National Forest and CAL FIRE initial attack crews, along with aerial support from the McKinney Fire, were dispatched to the George Fire immediately and worked to put in line and hose around the entire fire's perimeter. There was no forward progression on the George Fire overnight and it is officially 100% contained at this time.  
 

The potential for new starts is still high as weather predictions forecast dry and hot conditions. Priorities for today focus on ensuring the George Fire remains contained and that lines remain secure on the McKinney Fire.  
 

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low 90s in lower elevations and in the 70-80s range in higher elevations. Winds from the west and northwest are expected to bring occasional gusts but less concerning than previous days. Relative humidity stays in the 13-20% range.  
 

LOCAL ASSISSTANCE CENTER: A Local Assistance Center (LAC) will be opening at the College of the Siskiyous Rural Health Sciences Institute in Yreka to serve residents impacted by the McKinney Fire. The LAC is a one-stop-shop for recovery assistance. The address is 2001 Campus Drive Yreka, CA. The times of operation are Wednesday August 17, 9 am to 7 pm and Thursday August 18, 9 am to 7 pm. 
 

EVACUATIONS: Multiple evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect. For current updates on evacuations, visit https://www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountySheriff and https://www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountyOES  

Additional evacuation information and a map can be found on the Zonehaven site at: https://community.zonehaven.com/
  

A shelter has been established at Karuk Wellness Center at 1403 Kahtishraam, Yreka, CA, 96097. Traffic on Highway 96 is limited with piloted traffic between Beaver Creek to Kohl Creek through the fire area.  
 

CURRENT FOREST ORDERS: Fire restrictions are in effect on the Klamath National Forest. For more information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices/ An emergency area is now in effect for the McKinney, Yeti, and Alex Fires. Please refer to the links below for specific details:  
 

Closure Info: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1047211.pdf 

Closure Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1047212.pdf  

Pacific Crest Trail Information: https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/closures 

Location: Siskiyou County, CA

Size: 60,389 acres

Percent Contained: 75 %

Cause: Under Investigation

Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory), Tall Grass, and Brush

Number of Personnel Assigned: 2,881

Start Date: Friday July 29, 2022 at 2:15pm
 
Firefighters continue to backhaul hose, tools, and other supplies used during the attack of the McKinney Fire as well as begin restoration and repair of areas disrupted by firefighting operations. The Mill Creek area saw a great amount of heat from the vegetation burning in the area yesterday. The focus of today’s efforts will be on the southern end of the fire.Hazard trees and other safety concerns along Highway 96 are being assessed and mitigated to safely open up the road to the public as soon as possible. Mop-up operations and securing of containment lines are still in full effect while firefighters ensure nothing will threaten the integrity of those lines. Crews have been flown into the eastern edge of the fire near Clear Creek to patrol. Tuesday’s spot fire near Fish Gulch is holding with constructed line. Throughout the entire fire footprint, some interior areas remain active with smoldering fuels of dead and down timber.
 
Winds from the west and northwest bring focus to the southeast portion of the fire. The western edge of the fire will benefit from the winds pushing any heat back in towards the black. Fire personnel continue to work to contain the fire within its current footprint.

WEATHER: Temperatures will be in the low 90s with heat building through the week. Expect temperatures in the 100s by the weekend. Winds will generally be out of the west / northwest. The lower end of the relative humidity will be about 13-20%.
 
LOCAL ASSISSTANCE CENTER:A Local Assistance Center (LAC) will be opening at the College of the Siskiyous Rural Health Sciences Institute in Yreka to serve residents impacted by the McKinney Fire. The LAC is a one-stop-shop for recovery assistance. The address is 2001 Campus Drive Yreka, CA. The times of operation are Wednesday August 17, 9 am to 7 pm and Thursday August 18, 9 am to 7 pm.

EVACUATIONS:Multiple evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect. For current updates on evacuations, visit https://www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountySheriff and https://www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountyOES
 
Additional evacuation information and a map can be found on the Zonehaven site at: https://community.zonehaven.com/A shelter has been established at Karuk Wellness Center at 1403 Kahtishraam, Yreka, CA, 96097. Highway 96 remains closed through the fire area.
 
CURRENT FOREST ORDERS:
Fire restrictions are in effect on the Klamath National Forest. For more information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices/

An emergency area is now in effect for the McKinney, Yeti, and Alex Fires. Please refer to the links below for specific details:
Closure Info: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1047211.pdf
Closure Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1047212.pdf
Pacific Crest Trail Information: https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/closures 

 Location: Siskiyou County, CA 

Size: 60,389 acres 

Percent Contained: 55 % 

Cause: Under Investigation 

Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory), Tall Grass, and Brush 

Number of Personnel Assigned: 3,528  

Start Date: Friday July 29, 2022 at 2:15pm  
 
After 11 days of arduous labor, firefighters have accomplished 55% containment in the McKinney Fire and have constructed initial line around the entire 80-mile fire perimeter. The next step for our fire personnel is to continue to maintain this line by aggressive and thorough mop-up with the intention to gain depth and keep the fire in its existing footprint. Crews continue to patrol and evaluate alternate lines, should the firefighters experience rolling burning material or any spot fires that could challenge their primary line. Fire crews along Scotts Bar and Oak Knoll are starting to assess contingency lines for repair. 

Just in time for Smokey Bear’s 78th birthday today, the Smokey Fire is now 100% contained for 34 acres burned. Crews continue mop-up by adding depth to the containment line to the extent necessary and are assessing suppression repair needs.  

 A community meeting is being planned for tonight, August 8, 2022, in Fort Jones, CA at the Scott Valley Junior High School starting at 7:00 p.m. The address is 237 Butte Street, Fort Jones, CA, 96032. T

he meeting will also be livestreamed on https://bit.ly/McKinneyFireYouTube and the CAL FIRE Siskiyou Unit Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CALFIRESKU for those not able to attend in person.

Questions desired to be answered are appreciated in advance and can be sent to 2022.mckinney@firenet.gov

Klamath National Forest mourns the loss of long-time employee Yreka, Calif., August 8, 2022— It is with great sadness that we must announce that the Klamath National Forest has lost one of its own. Beloved long-time Klamath National Forest Lookout Kathy Shoopman has passed away. Kathy died in her home in the community of Klamath River as a result of the McKinney Fire. Kathy started her career as a lookout at Baldy Mountain Lookout, west of Happy Camp, in 1974. Since then, she has staffed Lake Mountain Lookout, and most recently staffed Buckhorn Lookout, a post she has held since 1993. Kathy lived in the community of Klamath River for nearly five decades. Kathy was also a talented artist, gardener, and a devout animal lover. We share this sorrow with each and every one of you and we know that individually, and as the supportive community that we are, we will find many ways to honor Kathy’s life and service and keep her spirit in all of our lives.

Location: Siskiyou County, CA

Location: Siskiyou County, CA

Size: 60, 271 acres                               
Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory), Tall Grass, and Brush
Percent Contained: 40%
Number of Personnel Assigned: 3,537
Cause: Under Investigation
Start Date: Friday July 29, 2022 at 2:15pm

Crews continue to tie-in and secure their firelines around the perimeter of the fire. Much attention has been brought to the northeastern portion of the fire that runs parallel with Highway 96 because of the steep terrain and likelihood of roll outs that could make control of that line much more hazardous and difficult to achieve. Mop-up operations are initiated in the contained areas to further secure lines and as they continue to be patrolled. Firefighters successfully completed a defensive low-intensity tactical firing operation, in order to protect the Klamath River School and other surrounding structures. The fire held on the northern edge overnight, but with the forecasted weather, firefighters will pay extra attention to the Pipeline Gap area. Fire has backed down to Mill Creek where crews have put direct hand and dozer line in for reinforcement. Air resources are still very active on working to suppress the fire in areas to help firefighters on the ground gain access for direct attack opportunities. There is an east contingency group in place working in the area of the communities of Yreka and Fort Jones focusing on structure defense operations should the need arise. The Smokey Fire has resources from the McKinney Fire working on its perimeter and were able to reach 75% containment. The size remains at 34 acres. Crews are working on mop-up operations about 150 feet in from the containment line and continue to secure and patrol.

COMMUNITY MEETING: A community meeting is being planned for this Monday, August 8, 2022, in Fort Jones, CA at the Scott Valley Junior High School starting at 7:00 p.m. The address is 237 Butte Street, Fort Jones, CA, 96032. The meeting will also be livestreamed on https://bit.ly/McKinneyFireYouTube and the CAL FIRE Siskiyou Unit Facebook https://www.facebook.com/CALFIRESKU for those not able to attend in person. Questions desired to be answered are appreciated in advance and can be sent to 2022.mckinney@firenet.gov

WEATHER: A local Red Flag Warning has been put into effect and will extend through Monday. This means warm temperatures and very low humidity readings will be paired with winds up to 25 mph in higher elevations, increasing the potential risk for fire danger and active fire behavior. Temperatures are expected to be in the low 100s with south / southwest winds in the hottest areas.

EVACUATIONS:

Multiple Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect. For current updates on evacuations, visit

https://www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountySheriff  and https://www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountyOES

Additional evacuation information and a map can be found on the Zonehaven site at:

https://community.zonehaven.com/  

A new shelter has been established at Karuk Wellness Center at 1403 Kahtishraam, Yreka, CA, 96097.

Highway 96 remains closed through the fire area.

CURRENT FOREST ORDERS:

Fire restrictions are in effect on the Klamath National Forest. For more information, visit

https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices/

A forest closure is now in effect for the McKinney, Yeti, and Alex Fires. Please refer to the links below for

specific details:

Closure Info: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1047211.pdf

Closure Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1047212.pdf

Pacific Crest Trail Information: https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/closures

  Location: Siskiyou County, CA

Size: 60,044 acres

Percent Contained: 30%

Cause: Under Investigation

Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory), Tall Grass, and Brush

Number of Personnel Assigned: 2,783

Start Date: Friday July 29, 2022 at 2:15pm

Minimal forward fire progression is expected as the McKinney Fire continues to show patterns of backing alignment. More containment line has been secured around the fire's perimeter as firefighters continue to make headway. Crews tied in their fireline with adjacent crews along the eastern portion of the fire from the south fork of Humbug Creek to Dunn's Gulch, bringing containment to 30% across the fire. Mop-up operations are in effect where containment is established in order to solidify the control along the eastern portion of the fire. Fire crews have successfully established line along the rugged terrain on the western edge of the fire. Fire is backing down towards Mill Creek where the dozer line appears to be holding. Contingency groups are working to secure structures. The northeastern section of the fire, just west of Skunk Creek, holds heavy fuel loads of dry fallen timber and snow brush. This area has potential to pose challenges for firefighters, so fire crews are bolstering resources in that area.

The Smokey Fire, near Beaver Creek, received rapid response from initial attack resources on the McKinney Fire. It has reached 50% containment in just one day. The 34-acre fire has been fully surrounded with handline and hose lays as firefighters continue to monitor and patrol the fire.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT:

The initial damage assessment for the McKinney Fire is more than 50% complete. The initial report of damaged or destroyed structures is as follows; Of the 274 structures inspected, 134 structures have NOT been damaged, 87 residences are destroyed, 132 total structures destroyed (homes, garages, outbuildings, commercial etc.)

and 4 structures have minor damage.

An interactive structure status map is available at Siskiyou County Office of Emergency Services webpage: https://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/emergencyservices

WEATHER:

As the Klamath in August goes, today will be hot, dry, and mostly sunny. The amount of moisture and instability in the atmosphere allows a chance for thunderstorms to present themselves. Temperatures forecasted to be in the low 100's in lower elevations and high 80's in higher elevations with winds from the west and northwest. Potential for gusts to reach up to 15-20 mph. 

EVACUATIONS:

Multiple Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect. For current updates on evacuations, visit https://www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountySheriff and https://www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountyOES

Additional evacuation information and a map can be found on the Zonehaven site at: https://community.zonehaven.com/   

A new shelter has been established at Karuk Wellness Center at 1403 Kahtishraam, Yreka, CA, 96097.
Highway 96 remains closed through the fire area.

CURRENT FOREST ORDERS:

Fire restrictions are in effect on the Klamath National Forest. For more information, visit

https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices/

A forest closure is now in effect for the McKinney, Yeti, and Alex Fires. Please refer to the links below for specific details:

Closure Info: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1047211.pdf

Closure Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1047212.pdf

Pacific Crest Trail Information: https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/closures 

State Route 96 is open to piloted traffic only from Beaver Creek to Kohl Creek. Residents who live along SR 96 will have access to their property. All other roadways within the fire footprint remain closed due to numerous safety hazards in the area. Prior to traveling, please check CalTrans Road Conditions at https://roads.dot.ca.gov/ for the most current road conditions.