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

Percent Contained: 10%    

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

Number of Personnel Assigned: 2,404

Firefighters continue to make great progress around the perimeter of the fire with opportunities to go direct and put in aggressive handline while working to tie-in those lines with adjacent divisions. Crews continue to get depth on containment lines on the west side of the fire.

The main tactic remains the same as fire personnel work to secure direct and indirect line construction on all sections of the fire. Weather is playing a major role in this fire’s behavior. Slope and terrain driven runs still influence rate of spread. Thunderstorms continue to creep into the forecast with isolated cells, potentially creating outflow winds that could produce erratic gusts up to 30 mph. Contingency lines from bulldozers are in place around much of the fire’s perimeter should the firefighters’ lines not hold, in order to protect the communities at risk. Flanking and backing continue with the weather and terrain driven fire behavior, especially in the Mill Creek area.

Mop-up operations have been initiated along Walker Bridge and other communities along Highway 96 from Highway 263 junction to Seiad, east towards Yreka, Scott Bar, and Horse Creek on the west. Protection of human life and the safety of the firefighters remains the main priority.

Yesterday in the early afternoon, the Smokey Fire ignited just north of the McKinney Fire, about 2 miles south of the Oregon border. With resources on the McKinney Fire so close by, firefighters were able to quickly respond for initial attack on the 34-acre spread. Firefighters have control line and hose-lays completely around it and aircraft continue to be utilized in the area as needed.

COMMUNITY MEETING:

A community meeting is scheduled for tonight, August 5, at the Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds, Building 1, starting at 7:00 p.m. The address is 1712 Fairlane Road, Yreka, CA, 96097

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:

Isolated thunderstorm cells in the northeast are being monitored. Temperatures to reach 95-105 in lower elevations and 85-95 in higher and smoked in areas. Humidity is forecasted to be around 10-15%. Erratic wind gusts could reach up to 30 miles per hour in thunderstorm affected 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 

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety, the following acts are prohibited within the Happy Camp, Oak Knoll, and Scott River Ranger Districts of the Klamath National Forest. This Order is effective from August 3, 2022, at 6 p.m., through September 3, 2022. 

1. Going into or being upon National Forest System lands within the McKinney-Yeti Fire Restricted Area, as described in Exhibit B and shown on the attached map, Exhibit A. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52(e).2. Being on any National Forest System road within the McKinney-Yeti Fire Restricted Area, as shown on the attached map, Exhibit A.36 C.F.R. § 261.54(e).3. Being on any National Forest System trail within the McKinney-Yeti Fire Restricted Area, as shown on the attached map, Exhibit A.36 C.F.R. § 261.SS(a).4. Entering or using any Developed Recreation Site within the McKinney-Yeti Fire Restricted Area, as shown on the attached map, Exhibit A.36 C.F.R. § 261.58(b). 

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50( e ), the following persons are exempt from this Order: 
1. Persons with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or fire-fighting force in the performance of an official duty.3. Owners or lessees ofland in the area to the extent necessary to access their property.

These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 C.F.R. Part 261, Subpart A. A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559, 3571, and 3581. 

A community meeting is being held for the #McKinneyFire at 7:00 PM at the Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds. The meeting is in building 1, the first building on the left as you pass through the main gate.

Address: 1712 Fairlane Road, Yreka, CA 96097

Questions can be sent ahead of time at 2022.McKinney@firenet.gov.

If you can’t join us in person, we are offering livestream on the following platforms:

bit.ly/McKinneyFireYouTube

facebook.com/KlamathNF

facebook.com/CALFIRESKU
 
 

Location: Siskiyou County, CA
Size: 58,668 acres
Cause: Under Investigation 
Start Date: Friday July 29, 2022 at 2:15pm
Percent Contained: 10%  
Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory), Tall Grass, and Brush
Number of Personnel Assigned: 2,219

Tuesday’s thunderstorms dropped 1-3 inches of rain on the eastern flank of the McKinney Fire. The higher amounts fell on the eastern one third. Heavy debris flow occurred as a result in multiple drainages and blocked lower lying portions of Humbug Creek Rd. On Wednesday morning, heavy equipment was used to reestablish access into the area for the firefighters working that branch of the fire. Although a considerable amount of rain fell, many pockets of heat remain. As the area dries in the coming days, fire activity in the east is expected to pick up once again. The western half of the fire did not receive measurable precipitation.

Yesterday morning fire behavior was minimal over the entire incident with very little active burning. Pockets of heavy fuels continued to smoke throughout the morning and fire activity picked up on the western portion of the incident as fuels, heated by the afternoon sun, began to dry out. The fire was most active near Mill Creek Road in the southwest portion and Pipeline Gap in the northwest. Pipeline Gap is an area with high potential for fire spread. Helicopters and air tankers were used to support firefighters on the ground as they fought to limit spread in both areas. Aircraft dropped over 50,000 gallons of retardant during the operational period.

Progress in fireline construction has been steady but slow going along the fire’s edge. Difficult terrain and heavy fuels have been a challenge. However, dozer lines have been completed in multiple areas surrounding the fire. The fire is holding along the river’s edge east of Horse Creek along Highway 96.

An increase in fire behavior due to weather changing over the next several days will add to the challenge. Firefighters will keep a close eye on conditions today as they continue direct line construction wherever it is safe to do so. They will also evaluate options near Pipeline Gap, Bald Mountain and Baldy Gap where direct line construction may not be an option.

COMMUNITY MEETING:
A community meeting is being planned for tomorrow night in Yreka at the Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds. Details on the time and specific meeting location will be announced shortly.

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

WEATHER:
The fire area will be warmer and drier today. Humidity on peak and ridges started out lower today and winds will primarily out of the west this afternoon.

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 the Weed Community Center, 161 E Lincoln Avenue, Weed, CA 96094. 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/

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

Evacuation Orders for the following Zones in the Yreka and Hawkinsville area have been downgraded to Evacuation Warning. Residents may return to their homes. This area primarily encompasses the area of Yreka from Fairchild Street/Shasta Ave west to edge of the residential district, this involves the following Zones: 

Yreka Zones: 
• YRE – 3624-A 
• YRE – 3624-B 
• YRE – 3621-B 
• YRE – 3621-C 
• YRE – 3618-D 
• YRE – 3615-B 
• YRE – 3612-A 

Siskiyou Zones: 
• SIS – 3404-A 
• SIS – 3508-A 
• SIS – 3609-B 

To access the evacuation areas map and road closures, go to Zone Haven: community.zonehaven.com or to the Siskiyou County OES website: https://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/emergencyservices  Safety is our first priority for our community. The Zones that have been downgraded and residents allowed to return home are because it is now deemed safe to do so by law enforcement, fire, and emergency services. All other Zones outside of the Yreka and Hawkinsville area and not listed here remain as Evacuation Order. Evacuation Zones are reviewed daily to determine safety to repopulate. 

Getting home: 
• Use caution on the roadways. Congestion from fire and responder personnel in these areas. 
• Bus transportation is being arranged through STAGE for residents in the shelter who require transportation home. 
• Animals: Please pickup your animals from the animal shelter. For shelter residents returning home by bus, Animal Control representatives will collect your information and your pet’s information and arrange for delivery of your animals.  

 - For animal related questions or assistance please call our animal welfare hotline at 530-842-8742. 

Crisis Counseling Services:  Disasters are stressful. Crisis counseling services are available through Siskiyou County Behavioral Health. Call the Access Crisis Line to speak to a local counselor: 800-842-8979.  The National Disaster Distress Helpline is also available for anyone experiencing emotional distress related to disasters such as wildfires, earthquakes, or incident of mass violence. The National Disaster Distress Helpline can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at: 

• Call 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746 to connect with a trained crisis counselor.
www.samhsa.gov/find-help/disaster-distress-helpline 
 
For general information call 2-1-1 or follow Siskiyou County OES on Facebook. 

Location: Siskiyou County, CA
Size: 57,515
Cause: Under Investigation  
Start Date: Friday July 29, 2022 at 2:15pm
Percent Contained: 0%
Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory), Tall Grass, and Brush
Number of Personnel Assigned: 1,885

 

With drier and hotter weather in the forecast, increased fire activity is anticipated over the next few days. Yesterday's showers kept the fire from gaining significant growth. This allowed firefighters to move to an offensive approach where they can now focus on opportunities to go both direct and indirect on the fire. With the rainfall also comes hazardous debris, such as mud, downed trees, and rockfall; ultimately causing fire personnel to work more cautiously in these areas of the fire.

The one to three inches of rainfall last night over the eastern portion of the fire helped firefighters to gain ground on tying in handline throughout night operations. Crews are making good progress on the 200–300-acre spot fire from a few days ago on the northern edge of the fire.

Additional fireline has been constructed from Humbug Ridge to Baldy Gap aiding in securing the fire’s edge. The fire has progressed to Collins Baldy Lookout in the south and is backing towards Scott Bar and the Humbug Creek Drainage, where the fuel load is heavy with dead and down trees. Hand crews were able to cut handline along Scott Bar to get access on the western edge of the fire.

COMMUNITY MEETING:

A community meeting is scheduled for tonight, August 3, 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:

 

Temperatures are forecasted in the low 90’s with low relative humidity and chances of thunderstorms in the afternoon just east of the fire. Gusty west winds are possible, ranging from 15-20 miles per hour in drainage 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 shelter has been established at the Weed Community Center, 161 E Lincoln Avenue, Weed, CA 96094. 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/

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

McKINNEY FIRE & YETI COMPLEX INCIDENT UPDATE
 

Date: 08/02/2022
 
Location: Siskiyou County, CA
Size: McKinney 56,165 ; Yeti Complex 2,430
Cause: Under Investigation
Start Date: Friday July 29, 2022 at 2:15pm
Percent Contained: McKinney 0% ; Yeti Complex 0%
Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory), Tall Grass, and Brush
Number of Personnel Assigned: McKinney: 1,363; Yeti Complex: 450
 

Summary:
Lower temperatures and higher relative humidity, including rain over some areas of the fire, moderated fire behavior allowed firefighters to make good progress on the fire yesterday. In the absence of the explosive fire behavior observed previously, firefighters were able to take a more direct posture and engage directly on the McKinney, China 2, and Alex fires. 

On the McKinney Fire west of Yreka, direct line has been initiated along Humbug Ridge down to Baldy Gap. This area received significant rain Sunday night, and the wet fuels will allow line improvement to continue over the next few days. On the southeast portion of the fire, dozers are working east to open up access to the fireline from Scott Bar. This will allow crews and equipment to have better access to the fire. Crews are also working around structures in that area. Dozers are working the northwest corner while four hotshot crews build direct line on the northern edge.

The China 2 fire has burned up to dozer lines on China Peak as well as to Highway 96. Firefighters will continue to work those lines to hold the fire. Engine crews are prepping structures south of Highway 96.

There was no significant movement on the Alex Fire. Helicopters assisted hand crews on the ground with water drops.

Today firefighters will continue to look for areas on the fires where they can have direct attack opportunities as well as work to place contingency line in areas where direct attack is not possible. Life, firefighter safety, and property remain the most significant priority to the incident. The combination of moisture and thunderstorms in the forecast are creating an unstable atmosphere which may make firefighting conditions much more hazardous with wind speeds potentially reaching 50 mph during those storms.

California Interagency Incident Management Team 2 in unified command with CAL FIRE assumed command of the McKinney Fire at 6:00 a.m. this morning. California Interagency Incident Management Team 10 has assumed command of the China 2, Alex and surrounding lightning fires, now known as the Yeti Complex. Information for the Yeti Complex will continue to be posted on the Klamath NF, CALFIRE SKU sites, and will have its own Inciweb page set up for the incident.

WEATHER: The Red Flag Fire Warning for abundant lightning on dry fuels has been extended through Tuesday. 

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 the Weed Community Center, 161 E Lincoln Avenue, Weed, CA 96094. Highway 96 remains closed through the fire area.
 
FOREST CLOSURE: Fire restrictions are in effect on the Klamath National Forest. For more information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices/

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

Fire activity was again mitigated today by cloudy, cooler conditions. On the McKinney Fire, no perimeter growth was observed. Crews were able to work successfully behind the city of Yreka, bringing dozer line along the ridge to protect the structures. In the steep area on the fire’s southern edge, hand crews worked on direct line construction near Baldy Gap, and in Humbug Creek. The fire continued to back down toward the river in the Walker Creek area, and crews worked there to protect structures. On the west side of the fire, dozers are working there way into the fire’s edge, constructing line from Steelhead and Scott Bar to cut off the fire’s western and southern spread.

 

The China 2 Fire, located south of Highway 96 near Fort Goff, is slowly backing toward Highway 96 in several locations and is very visible from the road. Crews are stationed along the highway and around structures in the area. Fire behavior has been moderate. Both handcrews and dozers are working to construct line, from China Mountain southwest toward China Point, and southeast toward West Grider Creek. Progress on those lines was good today.

A community meeting will be held tonight (8/1) at 5pm at the Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds Livestock Arena. It will also be streamed on the following: 

bit.ly/McKinneyFireYouTube

facebook.com/KlamathNF

facebook.com/CALFIRESKU
 
 

 Much of the McKinney Fire saw rainfall overnight, keeping fire growth minimal. The fire continues to actively back toward structures in the Walker Creek area, and night crews were on hand to do structure protection there. The southern and eastern edges of the fire, closest to Fort Jones and Yreka, showed very little growth. The China 2 Fire (west of Seiad Valley and south of Highway 96) did not receive any precipitation but showed only moderate growth due to the high humidity. To the north, the Alex Fire (at the summit above Doggett Creek) received heavy rain.

While last night’s weather mitigated fire spread, vegetation in the area is extremely dry and the continued threat of thunderstorms and the associated strong, erratic winds could result in increased fire behavior. Firefighters will take advantage of the moderated conditions to construct containment lines today, while staying aware of the continued threat for convective activity in the area.

There have been numerous lightning strikes in the area in the last 48 hours, and at least 12 holdover fires have been detected on the Klamath National Forest, in addition to the ones listed above. They range in size from less than 1/10th acre to several acres. All are being fully suppressed.

 

 

 

Weather:

The low-pressure system keeping high humidity in the fire area is expected to hang on for another day, and the National Weather Service has issued another Red Flag Warning in the fire area from 12pm to 8pm tonight. The Red Flag Warning is for abundant lightning on dry fuels.

Evacuations and closures:
Multiple Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect. For current updates on evacuations, visit the Facebook pages of the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office and Siskiyou County Office of Emergency Services. Additional evacuation information and map can be found on the Zonehaven website. A shelter has been established at the Weed Community Center, 161 E Lincoln Ave., Weed, CA 96094.

Highway 96 remains closed through the fire area.

Fire restrictions are in effect on the Klamath National Forest. For more information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices/