August Complex North Zone Fire Update

September 26, 2020

Incident Commander: Norm McDonald

Start Date: 08/17/2020     Location: Shasta-Trinity NF; Six Rivers NF; Mendocino NF

Cause: Lightning                            Fire Size (All Zones):  870,200 acres

Containment: 43%                        Personnel (North Zone): 995

 

 

(Redding, CA) – State Route 36 is closed from the junction with State Route 3 on the east to South Fork Mountain Road at South Fork Mountain Summit on the west. Estimated time of reopening is dependent on fire operations and fire behavior. County officials will be on site directing traffic.

A Red Flag Warning goes into effect Sunday morning for critical fire weather. A combination of strong winds, low relative humidity, and warm temperatures are forecast through Monday. Winds are predicted to come out of the north/north east at 15 to 20 mph, gusting to 40 mph on exposed areas and ridgetops. Extreme fire behavior is possible where the predicted weather conditions align with terrain.

Firefighters are doing everything they can to keep the fire south of State Route 36. Aircraft will assist the firefighters as they work to secure the northeast corner near Forest Glen. Strategic firing operations will continue to reduce unburned fuels between the highway and the fire. This will decrease the intensity of the fire as it approaches the road, and support firefighters in their efforts to hold the fire south of Route 36.

Firefighters are working with dozers and other heavy equipment east of Ruth to “secure, control and gain depth along the fireline there,” said Operations Section Chief Jon Glover. This is critical operation to complete before the wind shift on Sunday. “We are really trying to button up the control lines in the Ruth area ahead of the forecast wind shift,” said Planning Operations Section Chief Karen Scholl.

Firefighters in Post Mountain/Trinity Pines continue to clean up the dozer line, assess and test pumps and hoses. 

Over 120 firefighters are working through the night in the most critical areas of the fire. Handcrews, engines, and dozers are holding and strengthening the control lines from South Fork Mountain down to the South Fork Trinity River.  “Night shift is really hard duty, some of the most dangerous that we do is at night, and we appreciate all that you’re doing out there,” said Incident Commander Norm McDonald expressing his appreciation for the crews.

Firefighters on the ground were assisted by aircraft yesterday outside of Forest Glen. Helicopters and single engine airtankers dropped thousands of gallons of water, and a VLAT, or very large air tanker, was used to drop retardant. This is a temporary holding tactic that gives crews on the ground time to get in place and use handtools and heavy equipment to secure the fireline. Waterdrops from helicopters are used to supply water to crews working on hot spots in areas that are not plumbed with pumps and a water source. Skidgines, dozers and masticators are just some of the heavy equipment working on firelines on the northernmost perimeter of the fire south of State Route 36.  

 

Fire Information/Media Line: (530) 628-0039  ♦  Email: 2020.Elkhorn@firenet.gov

inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6983/   ♦  www.facebook.com  @ShastaTrinityNF; @SixRiversNF; @MendocinoNF

Trinity County       

Evacuation Orders

·       Ruth and Ruth Lake                                                           

·       Forest Glen

·       Post Mountain/Trinity Pines

·       Three Forks

Evacuation Warnings

·       Mad River

·       Hettenshaw Valley

·       The north area of Ruth Lake from Journey’s End to Highway 36

·       Zenia and Kettenpom

The Temporary Evacuation Point is Hayfork Fairgrounds. Evacuees can proceed there to receive hotel accommodation instructions and will be asked to proceed to a hotel in Lewiston or Weaverville for safe, non-congregate sheltering.

Additional Evacuation information can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6983/55716/

Road Closures

State Route 36 is CLOSED from the junction with State Route 3 to South Fork Mountain Road (Trinity County) Ruth Zenia Rd continues to be CLOSED east of Lower West Side Rd AND Lower Mad River at Sheriff's Cove, 0.5 miles south of Ruth Dam. All east side of Ruth Lake, and Ruth area roads are closed. All Roads within the Trinity Pines/Post Mountain Subdivision remain closed due to Evacuation Order. This includes Trinity Pines Dr, Rattlesnake Rd, Post Mountain Road and all county and private roads within the subdivision.

 

Forest Closures: Shasta-Trinity, Mendocino, and Six Rivers National Forests.

Due to the unprecedented wildfires in California, the Pacific Southwest Region has closed 18 National Forests. The closure has been extended until September 30th.  Selected forests have increased access. For specific information for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest please visit;  https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/stnf/forestorders for the Mendocino National Forest please visit; https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mendocino/alerts-notices and for the Six Rivers National Forest visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/srnf/alerts-notices.

It is critical that all national forest visitors follow these important closures and restrictions for their own safety and the safety of our firefighters.

Know Before You Go

Stay safe when hunting by following these tips:

·       Many hunting areas are closed due to wildfire activity. Check local districts and forests for closure orders.

·       Be alert when hunting near developed areas and trails. Firefighters are in the forest as well.

·       For more information visit the following at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go

Cooperating Agencies: Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Mendocino Sheriff’s Office, Trinity County OES, Humboldt County OES, California Highway Patrol, National Weather Service, BLM, Cal OES, CAL FIREAugust Complex 

August Complex North Zone Fire Update

September 25, 2020

Incident Commander: Norm McDonald

 

Start Date: 08/17/2020           Location: Shasta-Trinity NF; Six Rivers NF; Mendocino NF

Cause: Lightning                      Fire Size (All Zones): 867,335 acres

Containment: 40%                  Personnel (North Zone): 917

 

(Redding, CA) – State Route 36 is closed from the junction with State Route 3 to South Fork Mountain Road due to fire operations. Estimated time of reopening is dependent on fire operations and fire behavior. Officials will be onsite directing traffic.

Firefighters have been using strategic firing operations to reduce unburned fuels between Rattlesnake Ridge and South Fork Trinity River. Weather conditions permitting, firefighters plan to use similar tactics today to reduce unburned fuels east of Forest Glen, between the fire and State Route 36.  Increased fire traffic and smoky conditions have closed the highway as firefighters work to complete this critical portion of fireline. Halting traffic will help keep our firefighters safe while working in these challenging conditions.

Crews are working day and night to complete the firelines above Ruth Lake ahead of a forecasted wind shift. Dozers and masticators are supporting handcrews to bring the fire down to containment lines. This is an area of prime concern, with the predicted wind shift and critical fire weather expected this weekend. A Fire Weather Watch is in effect from early Sunday morning through Monday morning.  

There are 10 helicopters assigned to the North Zone of the fire, using water drops to help firefighters on the ground to cool hot spots. Aerial supervision guides crews as they build and strengthen containment lines from Ruth north to Forest Glen. Helicopters and airtankers will be assisting firefighters east of Forest Glen and along State Route 36 today as well.

Crews are moving from less active areas, where they have completed their work on containment lines such as south of Ruth, Flying AA Ranch, Rat Trap and Stuart Gap. These crews are being reassigned to assist with operations around Ruth and Forest Glen.

“Crews in Post Mountain and Trinity Pines are testing pumps and hose lays” said Operations Section Chief Karen Scholl, “to be ready in case the fire crosses Highway 36.” Work on the fuel break surrounding the community is nearly complete.

Weather conditions yesterday were cooler and relative humidities were higher. Western portions of the North Zone received light showers. The weather will be transitioning to north winds today and tomorrow, with temperatures forecast to be in the 90s by Sunday. A Fire Weather Watch has been issued for critical fire weather conditions starting Sunday morning. High temperatures, winds gusting to 25 mph on ridges and exposed areas, along with low relative humidities will create extremely dry fuel conditions conducive to active fire behavior.

 

Fire Information/Media Line: (530) 628-0039  ♦  Email: 2020.Elkhorn@firenet.gov

inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6983/   ♦  www.facebook.com  @ShastaTrinityNF; @SixRiversNF; @MendocinoNF

 

Trinity County

Evacuation Orders

·       Ruth and Ruth Lake                                                           

·       Forest Glen

·       Post Mountain/Trinity Pines

·       Three Forks

Evacuation Warnings

·       Mad River

·       Hettenshaw Valley

·       The north area of Ruth Lake from Journey’s End to Highway 36

·       Zenia and Kettenpom

The Temporary Evacuation Point is Hayfork Fairgrounds. Evacuees can proceed there to receive hotel accommodation instructions and will be asked to proceed to a hotel in Lewiston or Weaverville for safe, non-congregate sheltering.

 Additional Evacuation information can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6983/55716/

Forest Closures: Shasta-Trinity, Mendocino, and Six Rivers National Forests.

Due to the unprecedented wildfires in California, the Pacific Southwest Region previously closed all 18 National Forests. The closure has been extended until September 30th.  Selected forests have increased access. For specific information for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest please visit;  https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/stnf/forestorders for the Mendocino National Forest please visit; https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mendocino/alerts-notices and for the Six Rivers National Forest visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/srnf/alerts-notices.

It is critical that all national forest visitors follow these important closures and restrictions for their own safety and the safety of our firefighters.

Know Before You Go

Stay safe when hunting by following these tips:

·       Many hunting areas are closed due to wildfire activity. Check local districts and forests for closure orders.

·       Be alert when hunting near developed areas and trails. Firefighters are in the forest as well.

·       For more information visit the following at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go

Cooperating Agencies: Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Mendocino Sheriff’s Office, Trinity County OES, Humboldt County OES, California Highway Patrol, National Weather Service, BLM, Cal OES, CAL FIRE

Incident Start Date: 9/10/2020 Incident Start Time: 2:58 PM

Incident Type: Wildland Fire Cause: Lightning/Natural

Incident Location: Mendocino, Humboldt, Del Norte, Lake, & Trinity County

CAL FIRE Unit: Mendocino & Humboldt Del Norte

August Complex Total Size: 862,733 acres August Complex West Zone Size: 103,780 acres

Containment: 45% Expected Full Containment: 9/30/20

Civilian Injuries/Fatalities: 0 Firefighter Injuries/Fatalities: 0

Structures Threatened: 8,913 Structures Damaged: 2 Structures Destroyed: 21

Minor Structures Threatened: 0 Minor Structures Damaged: 3 Minor Structures Destroyed: 30
 
CAL FIRE’s unified team and the U.S. Forest Service are engaged in a coordinated and collaborative response to take suppressive action on the August Complex, which has been split into three zones to effectively provide a response for the communities at risk. Due to resource draw down throughout the state, CAL FIRE’s Incident Management Team requested the California National Guard to assist with fire suppression efforts and as a result of CAL FIRE’s request, 125 National Guard personnel are assigned to the incident. Additionally, resources from across the state of California as well as Montana, Idaho, Texas, and New Jersey have been assigned to assist on the August Complex-West Zone. The August Complex-West Zone has burned 103,780 acres, spans approximately 195 miles of fire line and is 45% contained with more than 2,000 firefighters battling the fire from the air and the ground. The ongoing fire suppression efforts have resulted in some evacuation orders and warnings being reduced while the incident commanders constantly evaluate existing orders and warnings as anticipated and observed fire conditions change. Overnight, firefighters conducted additional firing operations in the area of Mill Creek, above Lake Pillsbury in an effort to eliminate isolated pockets of unburned fuels, while in areas further north, ground resources worked diligently to improve and widen containment lines. Firefighters across all 195 miles of fire line are actively performing direct fire attack and mop up where fire conditions safely allow and smoke is highly visible due to the fire making isolated uphill runs when aligned with topography, firing operations and multiple active pockets of fire. 
For the latest road closures and evacuation information in Mendocino County please visit https://tinyurl.com/MendoEvac 

 

Warm and dry weather conditions continue today with wind from the southwest and west pushing smoke to the northeast and east in the Central Valley. In the North section of the August Complex the combination of terrain driven smoke, and early coastal mist along with a morning inversion may pool smoke in the valleys and low lying areas limiting visibility to 11.i 

- 2  miles (early morning),  later increasing to 4-6 miles in the 

afternoon. Smoke from the south section of the fire will track south-to-south easterly m the day following the terrain. later shifting to the east. USG to Moderate conditions are expected ovemight in the foothill areas strongly affected by the settling of down drainage smoke. 

Date Started: August 17, 2020 Acres Burned: 862,733 (All Zones) Containment: 38%

Cause: Lightning Structures Threatened: 1,595 Structures Destroyed: 35

Expected Containment: November 15, 2020

WILLOWS, Calif. – Sept. 24, 2020 – The August Complex South Zone will hold a virtual public meeting Thursday, Sept. 24 at 7 pm to provide a fire overview and to allow the public to ask questions. The meeting will be streamed live on the Mendocino National Forest Facebook page.

Firefighters made significant progress on Wednesday, continuing to mop up where firing operations were finished on Tuesday north of Lake Pillsbury. Dozer line is complete from Soda Creek to Sunset Gap. Crews continue working to increase containment in the area by identifying and removing trees that could fall across lines, locating and addressing smoldering vegetation adjacent to lines, and by making sure that lines near structures are secure. Other crews are reinforcing dozer lines north and west of Pillsbury Ranch, installing and testing hose lays, pumps, and sprinklers for use in holding operations.

Management of the South Zone of the August Complex will be transitioning from the Type I Great Basin Incident Management Team 2, under Incident Commander Tony Demasters to a Type 2 Incident Management Team as well as a National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) team. The incoming Type 2 management team is from the Mendocino National Forest and led by Incident Commander Curtis Coots. The Mendocino team will take over command of the incident on September 25. The Atlanta NIMO team is led by Incident Commander Mike Quisenberry and will provide further assistance in managing the fire.

Weather: Cloud cover and slightly higher humidity are forecast for Thursday. Temperatures will be in the low to mid 80s. Winds are anticipated to be from the northwest at 10-15 mph.

Evacuations: In the South Zone of the August Complex, evacuation orders are in effect for portions of Mendocino and Lake Counties. Please see each of the respective county sheriff’s office or emergency management websites for specific evacuation information. Evacuation information can also be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6983/55716/.

Closures: Forest Order No. 08-20-13 remains in effect for the Mendocino National Forest. Residents and property owners may return to their properties within the Mendocino National Forest in Glenn County, but access to the Forest Service closure area for other purposes, including hunting and recreation, is prohibited. Properties accessed via a Forest System road may require a permit from the US Forest Service. Please contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316 for more information. For more information on the August Complex please check InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6983/

  

August Complex North Zone Fire Update

September 24, 2020

Incident Commander: Norm McDonald

Start Date: 08/17/2020           Location: Shasta-Trinity NF; Six Rivers NF; Mendocino NF

Cause: Lightning                                    Fire Size (All Zones): 862,733 acres

Containment: 38%                               Personnel (North Zone): 870

 

(Redding, CA) – Firefighting resources are concentrating their efforts on State Highway 36 today. Taking advantage of cooler temps and higher relative humidities, strategic burning tactics will be employed coming off Rattlesnake Ridge in the South Fork Trinity drainage. These efforts will slow the fire and strengthen the firelines that have been built to hold the fire south of Hwy 36. Temporary road closures can be expected due to increased fire traffic and potentially smoky conditions.

Dangerous winds that had been forecast for yesterday did not materialize as predicted, and firefighters took advantage of this break to complete a successful tactical firing operation off of Rattlesnake Ridge. Crews put fire on the ground along the ridge, letting it slowly burn downhill towards the southwest, into the lighter-than-expected wind. The operation was a success, as it removed a significant amount of fuel from the fire’s path, should stronger winds return to push it up towards the ridge. Reducing these fuels is crucial to reduce the likelihood of spotting ahead and outside of control lines.

Crews have nearly completed improvements to the fuel break the Forest Service had previously constructed around the community of Post Mountain/Trinity Pines. Portable water tanks, called pumpkins, have been set up and filled along the fire break. Firefighters will use these water sources to supply powerful Mark III water pumps for hoses and sprinklers should the fire move across Hwy 36 in the future. Engine crews and heavy equipment are working on direct fire line near Snow Gap, as well as continuing to improve the indirect line on the 35 Road. Patrol and mop up continues from Kettenpom to Flying AA Ranch, and on the east side in the Stuart Gap and Rat Trap areas.  Crews are working up to 300’ from the fires edge to cool hot spots and remove hazard trees. Smoky conditions are expected to persist today in Hayfork, Wildwood, and Post Mountain. Increased cloud cover is expected, along with a chance of showers in the western areas of the fire, and smoke will settle into the river valleys ahead of a high pressure system. The National Weather Service in Eureka has issued a Fire Weather Watch for critical fire weather conditions beginning Saturday. Temperatures are forecast to rise into the 90s and humidities will drop. Winds are predicted to come out of the north/northeast.

 

Know Before You Go

Stay safe when hunting by following these tips:

·       Many hunting areas are closed due to wildfire activity. Check local districts and forests for closure orders.

·       Be alert when hunting near developed areas and trails. Firefighters are in the forest as well.

·       For more information visit the following at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go

 

Fire Information/Media Line: (530) 628-0039  ♦  Email: 2020.Elkhorn@firenet.gov

inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6983/   ♦  www.facebook.com  @ShastaTrinityNF; @SixRiversNF; @MendocinoNF

 

Trinity County

Evacuation Orders

·       Ruth and Ruth Lake                                                           

·       Forest Glen

·       Post Mountain/Trinity Pines

·       Three Forks

 

Evacuation Warnings

·       Mad River

·       Hettenshaw Valley

·       Zenia and Kettenpom

·       The north area of Ruth Lake from Journey’s End to Highway 36

 

The Temporary Evacuation Point is Hayfork Fairgrounds. Evacuees can proceed there to receive hotel accommodation instructions and will be asked to proceed to a hotel in Lewiston or Weaverville for safe, non-congregate sheltering.

 Additional Evacuation information can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6983/55716/

 

Forest Closures: Shasta-Trinity, Mendocino, and Six Rivers National Forests.

Due to the unprecedented wildfires in California, the Pacific Southwest Region previously closed all 18 National Forests. All fire restrictions are still in place, prohibiting the use of gas stoves, campfires, etc., and the Six Rivers National Forest will remain closed until September 24, 2020.  On Saturday, September 19, 2020 selected forests increased access.  The Shasta-Trinity National Forest has opened areas outside fire closures, however areas may prohibit dispersed camping and overnight use. For specific information for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest please visit;  https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/stnf/forestorders for the Mendocino National Forest please visit; https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mendocino/alerts-notices and for the Six Rivers National Forest visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/srnf/alerts-notices.

It is critical that all national forest visitors follow these important closures and restrictions for their own safety and the safety of our firefighters.

Cooperating Agencies: Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Mendocino Sheriff’s Office, Trinity County OES, Humboldt County OES, California Highway Patrol, National Weather Service, BLM, Cal OES, CAL FIRE,

  

August Complex North Zone Fire Update

September 23, 2020

Incident Commander: Norm McDonald

 

Start Date: 08/17/2020           Location: Shasta-Trinity NF; Six Rivers NF; Mendocino NF

Cause: Lightning                                    Fire Size: 859,966 (All Zones)

Containment: 39%                               Personnel (North Zone): 788

 

(Redding, CA) – Critical fire weather is expected today and Thursday as a trough of low pressure moves through the area. Winds out of the southwest at 10-20 mph are expected to clear the air on the western portion of the fire, and aid firefighters working around and north of Ruth. Helicopters and airtankers will be working today as the inversion lifts this morning. These winds, gusting to 25 mph on the ridges, will also challenge containment lines on the north and west perimeter. Spotting up to 1 mile ahead of the fire is possible.

 

The “surge resources," Type 2IA fire crews on loan from other fires, are working day and night to strengthen the dozer lines south of Highway 36, handline down from Rattlesnake Ridge, and contingency dozer line along the 29 Road to the east of the fire. The North Structure Group continues to work to improve access in Post Mountain/Trinity Pines, and widen the existing fuel break that the Forest Service has built surrounding the community. Dozer lines are nearly complete to the south and west of these communities.

 

“What we’d like to do is keep that fire south of Highway 36 and keep that highway open,” said Incident Commander Norm McDonald. “But I think one thing we’ve got to get across is that it’s going to be a tough order, considering the fire behavior that we have and the weather conditions that we having coming over the next few days.”

 

Yesterday, improved air quality allowed helicopters and airtankers to assist crews working on the ground above Ruth. Heavy equipment bosses are working with dozer crews to cut two lines above Ruth Lake. Strategic firing operations are also being used while winds and weather are favorable to strengthen these lines and protect the homes and businesses there. Structure assessment and protection is ongoing in the area.

 

The winds that cleared the air in Ruth and Forest Glen are bringing increased smoke to the communities to the north and east of the fire. Air quality is expected to remain poor in Post Mountain, Trinity Pines and Hayfork through Thursday evening, when winds are expected to shift again to the northwest. 

 

Although resources are limited, engines crews continue to patrol and mop up portions of the perimeter on the east and west portions of the North Zone. This includes the control lines south of Ruth and in the west near Yolla Bolly.

 

Know Before You Go

Stay safe when hunting by following these tips:

·       Many hunting areas are closed due to wildfire activity. Check local districts and forests for closure orders.

·       Be alert when hunting near developed areas and trails. Firefighters are in the forest as well.

·       For more information visit the following at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go

Fire Information/Media Line: (530) 628-0039  ♦  Email: 2020.Elkhorn@firenet.gov

inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6983/   ♦  www.facebook.com  @ShastaTrinityNF; @SixRiversNF; @MendocinoNF

 

 

 

 

Trinity County

Evacuation Orders

·       Ruth, Forest Glen, and Post Mountain/Trinity Pines

·       The southeast area of Ruth Lake up to and including Journey’s End

 

Evacuation Warnings

·       Mad River, Hettenshaw Valley, Zenia, Kettenpom and the north area of Ruth Lake from Journey’s End to Highway 36

 

The Temporary Evacuation Point is Hayfork Fairgrounds. Evacuees can proceed there to receive hotel accommodation instructions and will be asked to proceed to a hotel in Lewiston or Weaverville for safe, non-congregate sheltering.

 Additional Evacuation information can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6983/55716/

 

Forest Closures: Shasta-Trinity, Mendocino, and Six Rivers National Forests.

Due to the unprecedented wildfires in California, the Pacific Southwest Region previously closed all 18 National Forests. All fire restrictions are still in place, prohibiting the use of gas stoves, campfires, etc., and the Six Rivers National Forest will remain closed until September 24, 2020.  On Saturday, September 19, 2020 selected forests increased access.  The Shasta-Trinity National Forest has opened areas outside fire closures, however areas may prohibit dispersed camping and overnight use. For specific information for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest please visit;  https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/stnf/forestorders,for the Mendocino National Forest please visit; https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mendocino/alerts-notices, and for the Six Rivers National Forest visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/srnf/alerts-notices.

It is critical that all national forest visitors follow these important closures and restrictions for their own safety and the safety of our firefighters.

Cooperating Agencies: Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Mendocino Sheriff’s Office, Trinity County OES, Humboldt County OES, California Highway Patrol, National Weather Service, BLM, Cal OES, CAL FIRE

WHAT: August Complex South Zone Virtual Community Meeting   WHEN: 7pm Pacific time Thursday September 24, 2020 WHERE:Facebook Live- https://www.facebook.com/MendocinoNF

Fire Update: August Complex (South Zone)

Date Started: August 17, 2020  Acres Burned: 859,966 (All Zones)  Containment: 39%

Cause: Lightning  Structures Threatened: 1,595   Structures Destroyed:  35

Expected Containment: November 15, 2020  

WILLOWS, Calif. – Sept. 23, 2020 – Firefighters completed burning operations to the north of Lake Pillsbury on Tuesday, finishing firing activities that have been occurring over the past several days.  Crews will now complete holding and mopping up actions along the control lines used in these efforts.  This includes looking for and extinguishing areas of remaining heat near these lines.  Once the area has cooled over the next few days, additional containment in this area is expected.

Helicopters have been assisting in cooling the fire and holding control lines through water drops near Mill Creek and areas to the northwest of Pillsbury Ranch.  Fire crews and dozers from CAL FIRE continue suppression efforts near the main edge of the fire to the northwest, including constructing line where possible.  Meanwhile, firefighters continue structure protection in the Pillsbury Basin and along control lines to the west.  This includes installing and testing hose lays and sprinklers for use in holding operations.

The August Complex-South Zone will hold a virtual public meeting at 7pm on Thursday, September 24, 2020 to provide a fire overview and to allow the public to ask questions. The meeting will be live streamed on the Mendocino National Forest Facebook page.  

Weather:  Temperatures are forecast to be mild on Wednesday, as effects from a front north of California brings additional humidity and cloud cover, resulting in temperatures in the low 80s.  Winds are anticipated to be light and from the west to southwest.  

Evacuations:  In the South Zone of the August Complex, evacuation orders are in effect for portions of Mendocino and Lake Counties.  Please see each of the respective county sheriff’s office or emergency management websites for specific evacuation information. Evacuation information can also be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6983/55716/. 

Closures:  Forest Order No. 08-20-13 remains in effect for the Mendocino National Forest. Residents and property owners may return to their properties within the Mendocino National Forest in Glenn County, but access to the Forest Service closure area for other purposes, including hunting and recreation, is prohibited.  Properties accessed via a Forest System road may require a permit from the US Forest Service. Please contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316 for more information.  For more information on the August Complex please check InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6983/

August Complex North Zone Fire Update

September 22, 2020

Incident Commander: Norm McDonald

Start Date: 08/17/2020           Location: Shasta-Trinity NF; Six Rivers NF; Mendocino NF

Cause: Lightning                      Fire Size: 846,898 (All Zones)

Containment: 38%                                                                                            

 

(Redding, CA) – A hard closure remains in effect on Lower Mad River Road between Dam Camp and Fir Cove due to smoke and fire traffic. Strategic firing will continue to secure the area. Helicopter water drops were utilized along South Fork Mountain on the ridge lines to slow the progression of the fire, allowing dozer lines to be constructed behind houses for structure defense. These operations will continue throughout the week. 
 

Dozers and other heavy equipment continue to tie in ridges and existing roads to keep the fire south of Highway 36.  Firefighting resources and dozers are also working hard within and around the community of Post Mountain/Trinity Pines to improve pre-existing dozer lines.
 

Fire managers are focused on the protection and defense of the communities of Ruth Lake, Forest Glen and Trinity Pines/Post Mountain. Structure protection is ongoing and can mean improving existing fire lines surrounding communities, clearing flammable vegetation around structures, and installing hose lays or sprinkler systems around structures.
 

The eastern portion of the fire east of East Low Gap crews are mopping up, improving fire lines, dropping snags and making sure the fire line will continue to hold. Ground resources will be actively patrolling containment lines.  

 

In the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness the fire will remain active along Wrights Valley and Shell Mountain. Wildfire activity can change quickly and evacuation warnings and orders may also change at any time. The public is reminded to stay aware of fire conditions and follow all Evacuation Orders and Warnings.

 

Weather conditions A low pressure system will approach the Pacific Northwest on Wednesday causing increased winds and lower humidity within the fire area.

 

Know Before You Go

Be fire safe by doing the following:

·       Before going hiking or camping, check with the forest or ranger district for fire restrictions or area closures.

·       Plan ahead and prepare — know your route, and tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return.

·       Use alternatives to campfires during high fire danger, even if there are no restrictions. Nine out of 10 fires are caused by humans.

Stay safe when hunting by following these tips:

·       Many hunting areas are closed due to wildfire activity. Check local districts and forests for closure orders.

·       Be alert when hunting near developed areas and trails. Firefighters are in the forest as well.

·       Clearly identify your target before shooting. Prevent unfortunate accidents or fatalities.

For more information visit the following at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go

Fire Information/Media Line: (530) 628-0039.   Email: 2020.Elkhorn@firenet.gov

inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6983/ ♦ facebook ♦ @ShastaTrinityNF; @SixRiversNF; @MendocinoNF

 

 

Evacuation Orders and Warnings:

Trinity County: Evacuation Orders

·       Ruth, Forest Glen, and Post Mountain/Trinity Pines

·       The southeast area of Ruth Lake up to and including Journey’s End

 

Evacuation Warnings

·       Mad River, Hettenshaw Valley, Zenia, Kettenpom and the north area of Ruth Lake from Journey’s End to Highway 36

 

The Temporary Evacuation Point is Hayfork Fairgrounds. Evacuees can proceed there to receive hotel accommodation instructions and will be asked to proceed to a hotel in Lewiston or Weaverville for safe, non-congregate sheltering.

 Additional Evacuation information can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6983/55716/  

Forest Closures: Shasta-Trinity, Mendocino, and Six Rivers National Forests.

Due to the unprecedented wildfires in California, the Pacific Southwest Region previously closed all 18 National Forests. All fire restrictions are still in place, prohibiting the use of gas stoves, campfires, etc., and the Six Rivers National Forest will remain closed until September 24, 2020.  On Saturday, September 19, 2020 selected forests increased access.  The Shasta-Trinity National Forest has opened areas outside fire closures, however areas may prohibit dispersed camping and overnight use. For specific information for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest please visit;  https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/stnf/forestorders,for the Mendocino National Forest please visit; https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mendocino/alerts-notices, and for the Six Rivers National Forest visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/srnf/alerts-notices.

It is critical that all national forest visitors follow these important closures and restrictions for their own safety and the safety of our firefighters.

Cooperating Agencies: Trinity County Sheriff’s Office, Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Mendocino Sheriff’s Office, Trinity County OES, Humboldt County OES, California Highway Patrol, National Weather Service, BLM, Cal OES, CAL FIRE