CHAPARRAL FIRE – RIVERSIDE and SAN DIEGO COUNTIES

 
WHAT: Riverside County, Evacuation Warnings in effect due to the Chaparral Fire have been lifted, and Evacuation Orders have been reduced to Evacuation Warnings. Only residents will be allowed to return to the area.

WHEN: 4:00 pm August 30, 2021

All San Diego County Evacuation Orders will remain in effect. The Evacuation Order will be re-evaluated in the next 24 hours.

NOTES: The public is reminded to stay vigilant on current fire conditions. Please continue to adhere to road closures and any Evacuation Warnings and Evacuation Orders. Please remember to drive slowly and yield to emergency personnel in the area. There may still be smoke in the respective areas as firefighters continue their suppression operations.

For more information about wildfire preparedness visit: http://www.readyforwildfire.org     

Murrieta, Calif, August 30, 2021 — As of 6:00 pm on Sunday, August 29, 2021, California Interagency Incident Management Team 14 joined CAL FIRE and the Cleveland National Forest in Unified Command of the Chaparral Fire.

Yesterday: During the day, crews continued to put in direct line in the south and east areas of the fire. Crews continued to insert into the wilderness with direct line and hose support. Thunderstorms and outflow winds east of the fire yesterday afternoon grounded air operations for a short time but did not affect firefighting operations. By the end of the day, fire retardant had been applied around the entire fire perimeter. Fire behavior overnight was moderate with crews continuing to construct and strengthen containment lines and suppress hotspots.

Today: Planned work assignments include continuing hose lays to improve perimeter control, constructing direct handline when possible, mopping up a minimum of 100-200 feet interior to the fire control lines when possible, ensuring protection of all structures in the area of the fire.

Fire Behavior: Live and dead vegetation—consisting of tall, dense chamise, manzanita, sugar bush, scrub oak and dry grass—is critically dry. There have been no recent fires or fuels treatments in the immediate fire area.

Weather: Humidity is expected to increase in the low to middle elevations ahead of Hurricane Nora coming north from Baja. Higher elevations may continue to have lower relative humidity recoveries. Temperatures are predicted to be cooler in the next few days. Daytime heating and some instability may produce a few isolated afternoon thunderstorms. This may create gusty, erratic winds with the potential for rapid rates of spread in multiple directions.

Fire Statistics: 1,427 acres; 13 percent containment

Evacuations:

• Evacuation Order: Residents north of Tenaja Truck Rd, South of Calle Cielo, East of Calle Collado and West of Calle Be Bietol.
• Evacuation Warning: Residents north of Tenaja Rd, West of Cali Pino/Gallop Lane, South of Hombre Lane, west of Cleveland National Forest boundary.

An evacuation order means there is immediate threat to life and is a lawful order to leave immediately. The area is closed to public access. An evacuation warning means there is a potential threat to life and/or property. Those who require additional time to evacuate and those with pets and livestock should leave now.       

Road Closures:

• Tenaja Road at Calle Pino
• South Main Divide Road

National Forest Fire Restrictions: All fire use is prohibited, including portable stoves. If you plan to camp or have a picnic in the National Forest, be prepared to cold camp.

Resources assigned to the incident:

420 Personnel

13 Hand Crews

7 Helicopters

24 Engines

4 Dozers

2 Water Tender

Redding, Calif – As of 11 A.M. on Thursday, September 23, the Trinity County Sheriff has reduced evacuation orders around the Hyampon Road area. Check below for remaining evacuation orders and warnings as well as road closures and restrictions.

Local closures near the Monument and other fires within the forest remain in effect. All closure orders and maps are posted on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website home page. Before visiting the forest, please check the website and avoid areas closed for public safety.

For questions about the River Complex Fire, please call the River Complex Fire Information Line at (707) 596-6075 or email 2021.river@firenet.gov. Information about the River Complex can be found in InciWeb at www.inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7760

For questions about the Fawn Fire, please call the Cal Fire Shasta-Trinity Unit at (530)225-2418 or visit https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2021/9/22/fawn-fire/

COMMUNITY MEETINGS:  On Saturday, September 25, there will be a virtual community meeting at 6 P.M. The meeting will be live streamed on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Facebook page and can also be accessed on Zoom or by calling 551-285-1373 (Meeting ID 161 234 2419). 

MONUMENT FIRE:

Northern Rockies Team 2 will reach the end of their 14-day operational assignment on Saturday and be replaced by Southern Area Red Team (Type 1). Southern Area Red Team will shadow Northern Rockies Team 2 on Saturday and assume full command of the incident at 6 A.M. on Sunday, September 26.

Resources: 1,081 personnel, 16 hand crews, 66 engines, 5 helicopters, 11 dozers, 8 water tenders, 10 masticators, 2 excavators

Current Situation: The Monument Fire is approximately 219,329 acres (+27) and 61 (+2) percent contained.

Yesterday’s operations proceeded with more patrol and mop up. Chipping operations were started in the southern portion of the fire. On the northern part of the fire masticators continued work to the Jim Jam Trail Head. Progress in mitigating hazard trees was made by the road group along the Hyampom Road. Tactical firing operations were conducted on the northwestern part of the fire near the Trinity River.

Overnight, mop up and patrol work continued. The tactical firing operations that were started near the Trinity River during the latter part of the day continued into the evening but were terminated prior to completion due to changes in weather conditions.

Today’s operations will continue with mop up, patrol and back haul in most divisions of the fire. Scouting for possible future contingency lines will continue in the northeastern part of the fire. Chipping operations are complete on the 10 Road. Hazard mitigation and chipping operations will continue east on Hyampon Road, past Hunter Creek. If weather conditions are favorable, tactical firing operations will be completed near Trinity River.

KNOB FIRE: The Knob Fire remains at approximately 2,421 (+0) acres and 100 (+0) percent contained. As of today, Friday, September 24, management of the Knob Fire was returned to the Six Rivers National Forest.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Later today we will see a pattern shift, with wind flow becoming more out of the west. Temperatures will be warm again this afternoon. Although we will see a shift to that westerly flow, dry air will remain in place across the fire. All fuel classes should be available to burn as Probability of Ignition continues to approach 80%. Weather conditions are expected to remain conducive for mop up operations, with direct attack tactics possible on any fire burning near the containment lines.

DAILY SMOKE OUTLOOK: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/Sierra-Trinity 

ROAD CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS (Trinity County):

·     Denny Road is closed at the intersection of Ziegler Point Road.

·     Hyampom Road is closed between Grassy Flats and James Creek.

·     Forest Service Road 3N08 northwest to Oakridge is closed.

·     Tule Creek Road at Jesse Road is closed to everyone except those with proof of residency.

·     Big Creek Road, Soldier Creek Road, Barker Valley Road, Barker Creek Road, and Carr Creek Road are closed.

·     Big French Creek Road and Big Mountain Road are closed.

·     The segment of State Route 299 between mile post 7.4 (near Burnt Ranch at Berg Road) and mile post 36.3 (just west of Helena) is open to through traffic on the following schedule: Monday through Sunday, from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M., an escort vehicle will lead traffic through the closure every 30 – 45 minutes. Overnight, from 7 P.M. to 7 A.M., the road is open to the public.

  Emergency actions may be necessary to provide for public safety and the protection of critical natural and cultural resources after large wildfires. For example, loss of vegetation exposes    soil to erosion, water runoff may cause increased flooding, and sediment may move downstream damaging roads and infrastructure or put endangered species and cultural resources at-      risk. USDA Forest Service Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) teams implement rapid evaluations of burned areas on National Forest Service (NFS) lands, assess post-fire risks, and recommend emergency actions to the effected National Forests.
 

BAER teams focus specifically on emergency stabilization actions that are necessary to protect human life, property, and critical natural and cultural resources. BAER teams share their assessments with other federal, tribal, state, and local agencies that have post-fire responsibilities, including on state and private lands, within and downstream from burned areas. Such agencies include the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), Natural Park Service (NPS), National Weather Service (NWS), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and US Geological Survey (USGS).

The Shasta-Trinity National Forest and Six Rivers National Forest have established a BAER team that is now beginning burned area assessments of the Monument and Knob fires. The BAER specialists on the Monument-Knob BAER assessment team include hydrologists, geologists, soil scientists, road and civil engineers, botanists, biologists, archeologists, recreation specialists, and geographic information specialists.

The Monument-Knob BAER assessment specialists are collecting data in the burned areas that is used to complete GIS and modeling programs to evaluate the post-fire risks. The first step in the BAER assessment process is taking satellite imagery and data collected during ground and aerial reconnaissance surveys to produce a soil burn severity map. The soil burn severity provides baseline information to determine changed watershed conditions for assessing potential watershed impacts from wildfires. This information will then be compiled and presented to Forest leadership along with recommended BAER emergency stabilization treatments in two BAER assessment reports—one for the Monument burned area, and one for the Knob burned area.
 

Rainstorm run-off is sometimes, but not always, increased on burn scars. The Monument and Knob BAER assessment reports and data will be shared with interagency cooperators who work with downstream private homeowners and landowners to prepare for potential post-fire flooding and debris flow impacts. Homes or businesses that could be impacted by flooding from federal land that resulted from wildfires may be eligible for flood insurance coverage from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Information about NFIP is available through FEMA at www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance- program, or www.floodsmart.gov/wildfires. Other flood preparedness information is available at www.ready.gov/floods at www.floodsmart.gov/.

SPECIAL NOTE: Everyone near and downstream from the burned areas should remain alert and stay updated on weather conditions that may result in heavy rains over the burn scars. Flash flooding may occur quickly during heavy rain events be prepared to take action. Current weather and emergency notifications can be found at the National Weather Service websites: https://www.weather.gov/eka/ and https://www.weather.gov/sto/.

Monument-Knob Post-Fire BAER Assessment information is available at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7851/

Redding, Calif – As of 10 A.M. on Tuesday, September 21, the Trinity County Sheriff has reduced evacuation orders and warnings. Check below for remaining evacuation orders and warnings as well as road closures and restrictions.

Although the region-wide emergency forest closure order has been lifted and the Shasta-Trinity National Forest is now open to the public, local closures near the Monument and other fires within the forest are still in effect. All closure orders and maps are posted on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website home page. Before visiting the forest, please check the website and avoid areas closed for public safety.

For questions about the River Complex Fire, please call the River Complex Fire Information Line at (707) 596-6075 or email 2021.river@firenet.gov.  Information about the River Complex can be found in InciWeb at www.inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7760

COMMUNITY MEETINGS:  On Saturday, September 25, there will be a virtual community meeting at 6 P.M. Facebook and Zoom links will be provided at a later date.

MONUMENT FIRE:

Resources: 1,133 personnel, 17 hand crews, 77 engines, 7 helicopters, 12 dozers, 10 water tenders, 13 masticators, 1 excavator

Current Situation: The Monument Fire is approximately 219,302 acres (+48) and 59 (+4) percent contained.

Yesterday’s operations proceeded with more patrol and mop up. Containment line was added on the southernmost division of the fire. Chippers were utilized to mitigate fuel loads around structures in the Trinity Village area. Masticators were also used to enforce contingency lines around Trinity Village and to improve the road system to Denny Proper. A road group was assembled to mitigate hazards along the Hyampom Road.  Approximately 1.3 miles was completed.  On the east side of the fire preparation for suppression repair has begun. 

Overnight, mop up and patrol work continued. Fire was active near the Trinity River and is expected to remain active in this area throughout the day.

Today’s operations will continue to concentrate on mop up and patrol. Scouting for possible future contingency lines will be conducted in the northeastern part of the fire. Chipping operations are planned on the 10 Road and hazard mitigation will continue along the Hyampom Road. If weather conditions are favorable, tactical firing operations are possible in the northwest area of the fire.

KNOB FIRE: The Knob Fire remains at approximately 2,421 (+0) acres and 100 (+0) percent contained. Mop up and patrol continue as crews have begun the process of suppression repair.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Easterly winds are expected over most of the fire today. However, winds along the northwest perimeter will be from the northwest this afternoon. The air will dry out slightly, as well as warm up just a bit. All fuel classes should be available to burn as Probability of Ignition approaches 80%.  Weather condition are expected to remain conducive for mop up operations, with direct attack tactics possible on any fire burning near the containment lines.

DAILY SMOKE OUTLOOK: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/Sierra-Trinity 

ROAD CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS (Trinity County):

·     Denny Road is closed at the intersection of Ziegler Point Road.

·     Hyampom Road is closed between Grassy Flats and James Creek.

·     Forest Service Road 3N08 northwest to Oakridge is closed.

·     Tule Creek Road at Jesse Road is closed to everyone except those with proof of residency.

·     Big Creek Road, Soldier Creek Road, Barker Valley Road, Barker Creek Road, and Carr Creek Road are closed.

·     Big French Creek Road and Big Mountain Road are closed.

·     A segment of State Route 299 between mile post 7.4 (near Burnt Ranch at Berg Road) and mile post 36.3 (just west of Helena) is open to through traffic and residents on the following schedule: Monday through Sunday, from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M., an escort vehicle leads traffic through the closure every 30 – 45 minutes. Overnight, from 7 P.M. to 7 A.M., the road is open to the public.

Redding, Calif – As of 10 A.M. on Tuesday, September 21, the Trinity County Sheriff has reduced evacuation orders and warnings. Check below for remaining evacuation orders and warnings as well as road closures and restrictions.

Although the region-wide emergency forest closure order has been lifted and the Shasta-Trinity National Forest is now open to the public, local closures near the Monument and other fires within the forest are still in effect. All closure orders and maps are posted on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website home page. Before visiting the forest, please check the website and avoid areas closed for public safety.

For questions about the River Complex Fire, please call the River Complex Fire Information Line at (707) 596- 6075 or email 2021.river@firenet.gov. Information about the River Complex can be found in InciWeb at www.inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7760

COMMUNITY MEETINGS: The next two Monument Fire face-to-face public meetings will be today, Wednesday, September 22. The first will be at the Hyampom Volunteer Fire Department in Hyampom at 11

A.M. The second will be in Hayfork at Hayfork Park off of Highway 3 at 3 P.M. The meetings will have speakers from the U.S. Forest Service and the Incident Management Team. There will be an opportunity to ask questions after the speakers’ portion of the meeting.

On Saturday, September 25, there will be a virtual community meeting at 6 P.M. Facebook and Zoom, links will be provided at a later date.

MONUMENT FIRE:

Resources: 1,189 personnel, 18 hand crews, 80 engines, 7 helicopters, 15 dozers, 8 water tenders, 14

masticators, 3 excavators

Current Situation: The Monument Fire is approximately 219,254 acres (+588) and 55 (+1) percent contained.

Yesterday’s weather conditions were predominately favorable and crews were able to continue mopping up most areas of the fire perimeter. Containment line was added on the east side of the fire from Backbone Ridge to the North Fork of the Trinity River and from Hobo Gulch Road to the East Fork. On the southwest side of the fire containment line was also added from Drop Point 54 to Drop Point 57. On the north side, smaller

masticators were brought in to open up the containment line from Denny to Jim Jam Trail Head. A small pocket of visible fire that popped up around Junction City was quickly addressed by crews.

Overnight, mop up and patrol work continued.

Today’s operations will continue to concentrate on mop up and patrol. In Trinity Village, structure protection and improvement of contingency lines will continue as crews begin the process of back haul. Snagging operations are nearly complete in the Hyampom Road area. If weather conditions are favorable, tactical firing operations are possible in the northwest area of the fire.

KNOB FIRE: The Knob Fire remains at approximately 2,421 (+0) acres and 100 (+0) percent contained. No growth has been reported as the fire slowly consumes unburned fuels within the containment lines. Mop up continues as crews have begun the process of suppression repair.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: A dry cold front will switch winds to the northwest during the afternoon and early evening hours. Temperatures will be slightly cooler with afternoon humidity slightly higher behind the front. As fuels continue to dry out from this weekend’s rain showers, fire behavior is expected to increase. All fuel classes should be available to burn as Probability of Ignition approaches 80%. Weather condition are expected to remain conducive for mop up operations, with direct attack tactics possible on any fire burning near the containment lines.

DAILY SMOKE OUTLOOK: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/Sierra-Trinity

ROAD CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS (Trinity County):

• Denny Road is closed at the intersection of Ziegler Point Road.

• Hyampom Road is closed between Grassy Flats and James Creek.

• Forest Service Road 3N08 northwest to Oakridge is closed.

• Tule Creek Road at Jesse Road is closed to everyone except those with proof of residency.

• Big Creek Road, Soldier Creek Road, Barker Valley Road, Barker Creek Road, and Carr Creek Road are closed.

• Big French Creek Road and Big Mountain Road are closed.

• A segment of State Route 299 between mile post 7.4 (near Burnt Ranch at Berg Road) and mile post 36.3 (just west of Helena) is open to through traffic and residents on the following schedule: Monday through Sunday, from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M., an escort vehicle leads traffic through the closure every 30 – 45 minutes. Overnight, from 7 P.M. to 7 A.M., the road is open to the public.

EVACUATIONS (Trinity County): The following information was taken directly from Trinity County Sheriff’s Facebook page. Evacuation orders and warnings can be issued or change suddenly; if you have questions about evacuation boundaries, call Trinity County Sheriff’s Office at 530-623-2611.

• Order: Hyampom Road west of James Creek

• Order: East Fork Road north of Barney Gulch and Hobo Gulch Road

• Warning: All areas along Denny Road east from Zeigler Point Road to Panther Creek.

• Warning: Areas southeast of Pattison Ridge, to Sims Gap. This includes Miners Creek, Bear Creek and James Creek.

• Warning: East Fork Road from the intersection of SR 299 to Barney Gulch. This includes Cope Road.

Redding, Calif – As of 10 A.M. on Sunday, September 19, the Trinity County Sheriff reduced evacuation orders and warnings for Trinity Village and Denny. Check below for remaining road closures and restrictions as well as evacuation orders and warnings.

Although the region-wide emergency forest closure order has been lifted and the Shasta-Trinity National Forest is now open to the public, local closures near the Monument and other fires within the forest are still in effect. All closure orders and maps are posted on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website home page. Before visiting the forest, please check the website and avoid areas closed for public safety.

For questions about the River Complex Fire, please call the River Complex Fire Information Line at (707) 596- 6075 or email 2021.river@firenet.gov. Information about the River Complex can be found in InciWeb at www.inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7760

COMMUNITY MEETINGS: The next Monument Fire public meeting will be face-to-face at 1 P.M., today, Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at the Hawkins Bar Volunteer Fire Department Station, 71 Trinity Court, Burnt Ranch, CA 95527. The meeting will be outdoors with speakers from the Six Rivers National Forest, Shasta- Trinity National Forest and the Incident Management Team. There will be an opportunity to ask questions after the speakers’ portion of the meeting.

On Wednesday, September 22 there will be two face-to-face community meetings. The first will be at the Hyampom Volunteer Fire Department in Hyampom at 11 A.M. The second will be in Hayfork at Hayfork Park off of Highway 3 at 3 P.M. The format will be similar to today’s meeting at Trinity Village.

MONUMENT FIRE:

Resources: 1,213 personnel, 22 hand crews, 89 engines, 7 helicopters, 15 dozers, 8 water tenders, 14

masticators, 3 excavators

Current Situation: The Monument Fire is approximately 218,666 acres (+209) and 54 (+1) percent contained.

Yesterday afternoon crews in the southern part of the fire were met with easterly gusting winds up to 25 miles per hour. Despite unfavorable conditions another ½ mile on containment line was constructed near the Butter Creek Meadows area. Mop up and snagging operations continued from Butter Creek Meadows through Hyampom Road and up to Miner’s Creek. Work to reopen the road to the Burnt Ranch School’s

communications tower has been completed. Mop up continued near Deny Road and along the dozer and hand lines to Trinity River. Helicopter water drops were used on the northeast side of the fire to contain areas of active fire. Crews continued to improve Hobo Gulch Road up to Hobo Campground. On the east side of the fire dozers and hand crews worked to enforce contingency lines.

Overnight, snag removal, mop up and patrol work continued.

Today’s operations will continue to concentrate on mop up and felling of hazard trees. Creation of direct line is planned from Hobo Gulch Road to the North Fork and strengthening of the contingency line from Hobo Gulch Road to East Fork and down to Helena Dip. Structure protection will continue in Trinity Village.

KNOB FIRE: The Knob Fire remains at approximately 2,421 (+0) acres and 100 (+0) percent contained. No growth has been reported as the fire slowly consumes unburned fuels within the containment lines. Mop up continues as crews have begun the process of suppression repair.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Warmer and drier weather will continue over the fire today. Winds will turn back to the southwest and relative humidities will be lower. As fuels continue to dry out from this weekend’s rain showers, fire behavior is expected to increase.

DAILY SMOKE OUTLOOK: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/Sierra-Trinity

ROAD CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS (Trinity County):

• Denny Road is closed at the intersection of Ziegler Point Road.

• Hyampom Road is closed between Grassy Flats and James Creek.

• Forest Service Road 3N08 northwest to Oakridge is closed.

• Tule Creek Road at Jesse Road is closed to everyone except those with proof of residency.

• Big Creek Road, Soldier Creek Road, Barker Valley Road, Barker Creek Road, and Carr Creek Road are closed.

• Big French Creek Road and Big Mountain Road are closed.

• A segment of State Route 299 between mile post 7.4 (near Burnt Ranch at Berg Road) and mile post 36.3 (just west of Helena) is open to through traffic and residents on the following schedule: Monday through Sunday, from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M., an escort vehicle leads traffic through the closure every 30 – 45 minutes. Overnight, from 7 P.M. to 7 A.M., the road is open to the public.

EVACUATIONS (Trinity County): The following information was taken directly from Trinity County Sheriff’s Facebook page. Evacuation orders and warnings can be issued or change suddenly; if you have questions about evacuation boundaries, call Trinity County Sheriff’s Office at 530-623-2611.

• Order: All areas along Denny Road northeast from Zeigler Point Road to Panther Creek due to hazard tree removal and fire debris.

• Order: All areas along Hyampom Road between Lucky Jeep Trail/James Creek and Halfway Ridge

• Order: Helena/East Fork Road, Hobo Gulch Road, Big Mountain Road, and Big French Creek Road

• Warning: Forest Service Road 10 between Forest Service Road 3N08 and the St. John Road at the Hyampom Road intersection. Hyampom Rd, east from the St. John Rd to Grassy Flats Rd. This includes Indian Valley through Forest Service Road 10 and Bar 717 Camp.

• Warning: All areas along Denny Road from Panther Creek east through Denny.

Redding, Calif – As of noon on Saturday, the Trinity County Sheriff reduced evacuation orders and warnings near Hayfork and Junction City.  Approximately 300 people were able to return to their homes. Check below for remaining road closures, evacuation orders and warnings.

Although the region-wide emergency forest closure order has been lifted and most of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest is now open, local closures near the Monument and other fires within the forest are still in effect. All closure orders and maps are posted on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website home page. Before visiting the forest, please check the website and avoid areas closed for public safety.

For questions about the River Complex Fire, please call the River Complex Fire Information Line at (707) 596-6075 or email 2021.river@firenet.gov.  Information about the River Complex can be found in InciWeb at www.inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7760

COMMUNITY MEETINGS:  The next Monument Fire public meeting will be face-to-face at 1 P.M. on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at the Hawkins Bar Volunteer Fire Department Station, 71 Trinity Court, Burnt Ranch, CA 95527. The meeting will be outdoors with speakers from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and the Incident Management Team. There will be an opportunity to ask questions after the speakers’ portion of the meeting.

MONUMENT FIRE:

Resources: 1,356 personnel, 28 hand crews, 96 engines, 10 helicopters, 15 dozers, 9 water tenders, 15 masticators, 2 excavators

Current Situation: The Monument Fire is approximately 218,457 acres (+0) and 53 (+0) percent contained. There was no IR flight (infrared scan to determine with more precision the acreage) overnight due to the weather.

Yesterday measurable rain fell over the fire area, temporarily reducing fire behavior. Rain began on the northwest side of the fire and continued for approximately four hours as the band of showers passed through. Almost an inch of rain fell on the Knob Fire and northwest corner of the Monument. The northeast side received 3/4 of an inch, while areas in the south near Hayfork received about 1/4 of an inch. In some areas, the ground became too wet and muddy for crews to build lines, so removal of equipment (backhaul), scouting and mop up, or installation and removal of hoses and pumps became the primary work accomplished. Weakened trees were falling on to roadways and containment lines, so felling and removal of snags was also much of the work done during the day. Overnight, snag removal, mop up and patrol work continued.

This morning, isolated showers are expected to continue around the fire area. By afternoon things will begin to dry out. Road preparation, mastication along dozer lines, structure protection, patrol and mop up of the fires edge, as well as felling of hazard trees will continue.

KNOB FIRE: The Knob Fire remains at approximately 2,421 acres and 100 percent contained. Fire behavior continues to be primarily isolated low-intensity surface fire within the control lines. No growth has been reported as the fire slowly consumes unburned fuels within the containment lines. Work continues with the excavator to remove burning logs from roadbeds where they were originally used to shore up the road’s surface.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: A weak cold front will pass through the area today with winds becoming northwesterly. Gusts are expected of 6 to 18 miles per hour this afternoon and evening. Near freezing temperatures can be expected in lower drainages tonight. Tomorrow and the rest of the week is expected to be mostly sunny with increases in temperature each day.

DAILY SMOKE OUTLOOK: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/Sierra-Trinity 

ROAD CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS (Trinity County):

• Denny Road is closed at the intersection of Ziegler Point Road.

• Hyampom Road is closed between Grassy Flats and James Creek.

• Forest Service Road 3N08 northwest to Oakridge is closed.

• Tule Creek Road at Jesse Road is closed to everyone except those with proof of residency.

• Big Creek Road, Soldier Creek Road, Barker Valley Road, Barker Creek Road, and Carr Creek Road are closed.

• Big French Creek Road and Big Mountain Road are closed.

• A segment of State Route 299 between mile post 7.4 (near Burnt Ranch at Berg Road) and mile post 36.3 (just west of Helena) is open to through traffic and residents on the following schedule: Monday through Sunday, from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M., an escort vehicle leads traffic through the closure every 1.5 hours. Overnight, from 7 P.M. to 7 A.M., the road is open only to residents with proof of address.

EVACUATIONS (Trinity County): The following information was taken directly from Trinity County Sheriff’s Facebook page. Evacuation orders and warnings can be issued or change suddenly; if you have questions about evacuation boundaries, call Trinity County Sheriff’s Office at 530-623-2611.

• Order: All areas along Denny Road northeast from Zeigler Point Road through Denny proper to the Trinity Alps Wilderness boundary

• Order: All areas along Hyampom Road between Lucky Jeep Trail/James Creek and Halfway Ridge

• Order: Helena/East Fork Road, Hobo Gulch Road, Big Mountain Road, and Big French Creek Road

• Warning: Forest Service Road 10 between Forest Service Road 3N08 and the St. John Road at the Hyampom Road intersection. Hyampom Rd, east from the St. John Rd to Grassy Flats Rd. This includes Indian Valley through Forest Service Road 10 and Bar 717 Camp.

• Warning: All areas in Hawkins Bar and Trinity Village north of State Route 299 between Suzie Q Road and Gray Falls Campground, including Suzie Q Road, Denny Road to Ziegler Point Road, Lone Pine Road, Big Oak Road, China Flat Road, Flame Tree Road, Coon Creek Road, Pony Creek Road, Gray Flat Road, Emerald City Lane, and Ammon Road

Redding, Calif – The next public meeting will be tonight at 6 P.M. and can be viewed on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Facebook page, on Zoom or by calling 551-285-1373 (Meeting ID 160 206 3120). Speakers during the meeting will include Incident Management Team members and representatives from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The public may submit questions before the meeting by email to 2021.monument@firenet.gov.  During the meeting, questions submitted in the chat on Facebook will be answered.

For questions about the River Complex Fire, please call the Complex Fire Information Line at (707) 596-6075 or email 2021.river@firenet.gov.  Information about the River Complex can be found in InciWeb at www.inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7760

MONUMENT FIRE:

Resources: 1,298 personnel, 27 hand crews, 87 engines, 10 helicopters, 15 dozers, 10 water tenders, 14 masticators, 2 excavators

Current Situation: The Monument Fire is approximately 218,457 acres (+1,337) and 53 (+3) percent contained.

Yesterday smoke lifted earlier than expected and winds remained light.  This allowed aircraft to assist firefighters on the ground in the Cow Creek area on the northwest side of the fire and along Backbone Ridge by Stoveleg Gap on the northeast.  Four scoopers worked along the Hobo Gulch road for part of the afternoon, before being called away to assist on the River Complex.

Bulldozer line and mastication of brush was completed to prepare and strengthen contingency lines in the Canyon Creek area. Heavy mop up was completed to the west of Hayfork and there was black line added as that area is now considered contained. The fire’s edge is lined and was holding along Butter Creek to Grassy Mountain and back over to the Hyampom Road. The 20-acre fire started by the log rolling down into Miners Creek was lined and was holding. The contingency lines behind Trinity Village were being prepared and are ready to support structure defense. The line keeping the fire east of the road and down in Cow Creek was holding, with fire backing down into the drainage within the containment line. Mop up along the Denny Road and out toward the Dailey property was progressing successfully.

Overnight the forecasted increase in winds did not materialize and humidity recoveries were improved, allowing night-time tactical firing operations. A 30-acre burn to keep fire back from control lines was successfully completed along Backbone Ridge. Drones were used to burn and hold control lines down to Fisher Road to the east of Trinity Village. In the area of Miners Creek along Hyampom Road, the crews successfully mopped up the 20-acre rollout from a few days ago and had no additional burning debris rolling down the hill.

Today crews will continue preparing and holding fire lines, working when it is safe to do so in the expected wet weather. Suppression repair work is beginning in the Hayfork area. Firefighters will continue to work to hold the fire down in Cow Creek and to the east side of the Trinity River. Scouting will continue for containment opportunities along the New River and out towards Jim Jam Ridge.

KNOB FIRE: The Knob Fire remains at approximately 2,421 acres and 100 percent contained. Fire behavior continues to be primarily isolated low-intensity surface fire within the control lines. No growth has been reported as the fire slowly consumes unburned fuels within the containment lines.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: The latest forecast shows rain arriving to the fire area as early as 10 A.M. with 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch across the northern portions, and 1/10 inch near Hayfork and the lower elevations of the fire. After the rain, winds are expected to increase as the cold front passes through, with gusts of up to 30 miles per hour on the ridgetops. Low temperatures may get down close to freezing in the valleys Sunday and Monday nights.

With large fuels burning over extended periods of time and the steep, rugged terrain, big trees rolling downhill while burning, spreading fire as they roll is an ongoing concern. Moisture in both live and dead vegetation in unburned areas is extremely dry from the persistent drought conditions. All fuels are extremely likely to catch fire when embers fly in the wind or rollout occurs. Anticipated moisture could temporarily reduce some of the threat, though extremely dry conditions are expected to continue through the end of the month.

DAILY SMOKE OUTLOOK: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/Sierra-Trinity 

ROAD CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS (Trinity County):

• Denny Road is closed at the intersection of Ziegler Point Road.

• Hyampom Road is closed between St John Road/Forest Service Road 10 and Lucky Jeep Trail (between Little Creek and James Creek.)

• Tule Creek Road at Jesse Road is closed to everyone except those with proof of residency.

• Big Creek Road, Soldier Creek Road, Barker Valley Road, Barker Creek Road, and Carr Creek Road are closed.

• Big French Creek Road and Big Mountain Road are closed.

• A segment of State Route 299 between mile post 7.4 (near Burnt Ranch at Berg Road) and mile post 36.3 (just west of Helena) is open to through traffic and residents on the following schedule: Monday through Sunday, from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M., an escort vehicle leads traffic through the closure every 1.5 hours. Overnight, from 7 P.M. to 7 A.M., the road is open only to residents with proof of address.

EVACUATIONS (Trinity County): The following information was taken directly from Trinity County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Evacuation orders and warnings can be issued or change suddenly; if you have questions about evacuation boundaries, call Trinity County Sheriff’s Office at 530-623-2611.

• Order: All areas along Denny Road northeast from Zeigler Point Road through Denny proper to the Trinity Alps Wilderness boundary

• Order: All areas along Hyampom Road from Grassy Flat Road west to St. John Road. This includes Bar 717 Camp. All areas south of the intersection of FS Road 10/ St. John Road south to Sydney Lane. From Sydney Lane northeast through FS Road 10/ St. John Road to Oak Ridge

• Order: Intersection Tule Creek Road at Jesse Road, south along Tule Creek Road to intersection FS Road 31N31, west on Tule Creek Road/FS Road 10 to FS Road 7, west of FS Road 7 along Tule Creek Rd/FS Road 10 to Oak Ridge to FS Road 3N08. All areas along Tule Creek Road/FS Road 10 through Indian Valley. Roads and areas included are Land Acre Road, Mule Lovers Lane, Buck Gulch, Cow Gulch, and Tule Divide

• Order: All areas along Hyampom Road between Lucky Jeep Trail and Halfway Ridge

• Order: Helena/East Fork Road, Hobo Gulch Road, Big Mountain Road, and Big French Creek Road

• Warning:  All areas along both sides of Hyampom Road from Lucky Jeep Trail east to Cedar Gulch, including Fox Lane, Drink Water Gulch, Phares Lane, Turkey Track Road and Doctor Lane

• Warning: All areas in Hawkins Bar and Trinity Village north of State Route 299 between Suzie Q Road and Gray Falls Campground, including Suzie Q Road, Denny Road to Ziegler Point Road, Lone Pine Road, Big Oak Road, China Flat Road, Flame Tree Road, Coon Creek Road, Pony Creek Road, Gray Flat Road, Emerald City Lane, and Ammon Road

• Warning: Canyon Creek Road in Junction City

Redding, Calif – The Shasta-Trinity National Forest will remain closed until 11:59 P.M. tonight. The Monument Fire area closure remains in place, along with other local closure orders.  All Shasta-Trinity National Forest closures can be viewed on the forest website. Before going into the forest, please check the website and know what areas are open and where the forest is closed for public safety.

As of 10 A.M. on Thursday, evacuation warnings were lifted in several areas in the West Hayfork Valley area.  See below for remaining evacuation orders and warnings.

For questions about the River Complex Fire, please call the River Complex Fire Information Line at (707) 596-6075 or email 2021.river@firenet.gov.  Information about the River Complex can be found in InciWeb at www.inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7760

COMMUNITY MEETINGS: The next public meeting will be a virtual public meeting on Saturday at 6 P.M. People will be able to attend the event on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Facebook page, on Zoom or by calling 551-285-1373 (Meeting ID 160 206 3120).

MONUMENT FIRE:

Resources: 1,304 personnel, 27 hand crews, 79 engines, 10 helicopters, 15 dozers, 11 water tenders, 13 masticators, 2 excavators

Current Situation: The Monument Fire is approximately 217,120 acres and 50 percent contained.

Yesterday fire behavior was again active in the afternoon after the smoke inversion lifted. This allowed aircraft to support the crews with water and fire-retardant drops in the Dyer Creek area on the northwest of the fire and in Hobo Gulch on the northeast. In Canyon Creek structure defense preparation continued, with hose lays and mastication added along dozer contingency lines. On the southwest portion of the fire, the crews were mopping up and holding the lines built in the past few days, checking to see how things were holding in the afternoon winds. The rollout down into Hayfork Creek from the Hyampom Road was caught and crews worked on securing that during the day. Structure defense preparation continued around Trinity Village and the indirect line on the north side of the town strengthened. The lines were holding along the Denny Road with crews working on a few spots within the contingency lines.

Overnight fire behavior moderated and there were no issues or concerns holding the lines in most areas across the fire. In the northwest section, burning debris rolled downhill causing fire to spread west across Cow Creek.  Crews continued to strengthen lines to the south along Denny road and north along the dozer line to the east of Trinity Village to prevent further fire spread to the west.

Today all areas of the fire will concentrate on holding and securing the gains made, mopping up, preparing for structure protection, improving and deepening containment lines in anticipation of the increased winds and changing wind directions.

KNOB FIRE: The Knob Fire remains at approximately 2,421 acres and 100 percent contained. Fire behavior continues to be primarily isolated low-intensity surface fire within the control lines. No growth has been reported as the fire slowly consumes unburned fuels within the containment lines.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Today slightly cooler temperatures and higher humidity are expected, with smoke again being a large factor moderating fire behavior. Smoke is expected to clear west or northwest to east after 2 P.M. With increased sun on the fire and winds gusting up to 20 miles per hour, fire behavior is expected to increase. There is a chance that ridgetop winds will continue overnight in the northern part of the fire at higher elevations. Tomorrow gusty southwest winds are expected with some rainfall possible Saturday night.

With large fuels burning over extended periods of time and the steep, rugged terrain, big trees rolling downhill while burning, spreading fire as they roll is an ongoing concern. Moisture in both live and dead vegetation in unburned areas is extremely dry from the persistent drought conditions. All fuels are extremely likely to catch fire when embers fly in the wind or rollout occurs. Anticipated moisture could temporarily reduce some of the threat, though extremely dry conditions are expected to continue through the end of the month.

ROAD CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS (Trinity County):

• Denny Road is closed at the intersection of Ziegler Point Road.

• Hyampom Road is closed between St John Road/Forest Service Road 10 and Lucky Jeep Trail (between Little Creek and James Creek.)

• Tule Creek Road at Jesse Road is closed to everyone except those with proof of residency.

• Big Creek Road, Soldier Creek Road, Barker Valley Road, Barker Creek Road, and Carr Creek Road are closed.

• Big French Creek Road and Big Mountain Road are closed.

• A segment of State Route 299 between mile post 7.4 (near Burnt Ranch at Berg Road) and mile post 36.3 (just west of Helena) is open to through traffic and residents on the following schedule: Monday through Sunday, from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M., an escort vehicle leads traffic through the closure every 1.5 hours. Overnight, from 7 P.M. to 7 A.M., the road is open only to residents with proof of address.

EVACUATIONS (Trinity County): The following information was taken directly from Trinity County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Evacuation orders and warnings can be issued or change suddenly; if you have questions about evacuation boundaries, call Trinity County Sheriff’s Office at 530-623-2611.

• Order: All areas along Denny Road northeast from Zeigler Point Road through Denny proper to the Trinity Alps Wilderness boundary

• Order: All areas along Hyampom Road from Grassy Flat Road west to St. John Road. This includes Bar 717 Camp. All areas south of the intersection of FS Road 10/ St. John Road south to Sydney Lane. From Sydney Lane northeast through FS Road 10/ St. John Road to Oak Ridge

• Order: Intersection Tule Creek Road at Jesse Road, south along Tule Creek Road to intersection FS Road 31N31, west on Tule Creek Road/FS Road 10 to FS Road 7, west of FS Road 7 along Tule Creek Rd/FS Road 10 to Oak Ridge to FS Road 3N08. All areas along Tule Creek Road/FS Road 10 through Indian Valley. Roads and areas included are Land Acre Road, Mule Lovers Lane, Buck Gulch, Cow Gulch, and Tule Divide

• Order: All areas along Hyampom Road between Lucky Jeep Trail and Halfway Ridge

• Order: Helena/East Fork Road, Hobo Gulch Road, Big Mountain Road, and Big French Creek Road

• Warning:  All areas along both sides of Hyampom Road from Lucky Jeep Trail east to Cedar Gulch, including Fox Lane, Drink Water Gulch, Phares Lane, Turkey Track Road and Doctor Lane

• Warning: All areas in Hawkins Bar and Trinity Village north of State Route 299 between Suzie Q Road and Gray Falls Campground, including Suzie Q Road, Denny Road to Ziegler Point Road, Lone Pine Road, Big Oak Road, China Flat Road, Flame Tree Road, Coon Creek Road, Pony Creek Road, Gray Flat Road, Emerald City Lane, and Ammon Road

• Warning: Canyon Creek Road in Junction City