Date Started: August 17, 2020   Acres Burned: 846,898 (All Zones)             Containment: 38%

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

Expected Containment: November 15, 2020      

WILLOWS, Calif. – Sept. 22, 2020 – Fire crews continued burning operations to the north of Lake Pillsbury on Monday, further increasing protection of communities and overall progress toward containment.  The August Complex is now 38 percent contained.

As smoke lifted during the afternoon Monday, firefighters were able to utilize both ground crews and aerial resources in ignition efforts along the M1 from the summit south to Cabbage Patch at the M1-M6 junction.  The use of helicopters allows operations to take place in areas that are unsafe or inaccessible by firefighters on the ground and complete the operations more quickly to take advantage of favorable weather conditions.  Planned burning operations are anticipated to continue Tuesday.  

Crews and equipment continue to improve both primary and alternate control lines to the west and northwest of Lake Pillsbury near Sunset Gap. The improvements include setting up pumps and hoses and removing trees and vegetation that could cause control problems during future firing and holding operations.  Meanwhile, CAL FIRE crews on the West Zone of the August Complex are working eastward and constructing additional control lines along the fire edge.

Weather:  Tuesday’s forecast includes light terrain-driven winds, temperatures in the mid-80s and humidity from 20-25%. Conditions will stay warm and dry the next few days.

Evacuations:  In the South Zone of the August Complex, evacuation orders are in effect for portions of Mendocino and Lake Counties.  Evacuation orders for zones AB, AC, W and H in Mendocino County were reduced to evacuation warnings on Monday. 

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/ 

Fire Update: August Complex (South Zone)

Date Started: August 17, 2020 Acres Burned: 846,752 (All Zones)        Containment: 34%

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

Expected Containment: November 15, 2020     

WILLOWS, Calif. – Sept. 21, 2020 – Hard work pays off on the South Zone of the August Complex, as additional burning operations are conducted, and containment continues to increase. The east side of the South Zone is fully contained, and the containment of the entire Complex is now 34 percent.  To put this into perspective, the perimeter of the August Complex is more than 568 miles, a greater distance than the drive from Boise, ID to Red Bluff, CA.

On Sunday, smoke prevented the use of aircraft to assist in the firing operations around Pillsbury Ranch, but firefighters continued to utilize hand ignition where possible to remove vegetation and increase protection of structures. While hand ignition by ground crews is slower than aerial ignition, it allows for continued progress when smoky conditions make it unsafe to fly.

Dozers and crews continue structure protection and strengthening the control lines west and northwest of Lake Pillsbury. These lines will be used as both primary and alternate locations for containment of the fire.  Fire crews are widening lines and installing pumps and hose to prepare for future firing and holding operations.

Forest Order No. 08-20-13 remains in effect for the August Complex. 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. 

Weather:  Weather conditions forecast on Monday include variable winds, temperatures in the 80s and drier humidity.  

Evacuations:  In the South Zone of the August Complex, evacuation orders are in effect for Mendocino and Lake Counties.  In Mendocino County, evacuation orders have been reduced to evacuation warnings for zone A, zone C, and a part of zone E.   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/.

For more information on the August Complex please check InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6983/ 

Start Date: 08/17/2020                   Location: Shasta-Trinity NF; Six Rivers NF; Mendocino NF Cause: Lightning                                       Fire Size: 846,732 (All Zones)
Containment: 34%                                                                                                            

(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 in the area. Last evening strategic firing occurred to secure the area along South Fork Mountain down behind homes in Ruth which brought controlled fire down the western slope. Additional dozer lines were constructed between houses to bolster structure defense. This operation will continue throughout the week.

Dozers and other heavy equipment continue to tie in existing ridges and 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. “These lines are being built in order to stop the forward progression of the fire towards this community” stated Incident Commander Norm McDonald.

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 various things; securing existing fire lines surrounding homes, clearing flammable vegetation around structures when possible and installing sprinkler systems around structures.

Established containment lines on the eastern portion of the fire east of East Low Gap are being actively monitored.  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 along Wrights Ridge, the August Complex North and South Zones have burned together.  Wildfire activity can change quickly and so evacuation warnings and orders may also change at any time. The public is reminded to stay aware of current fire conditions and follow all Evacuation Orders and Warnings.

Smoky conditions over the fire cleared briefly yesterday which allowed air resources to assist firefighters on the ground. However, warm and dry conditions are expected to continue today. Smoke is once again expected to impact fire today as southwest transport winds develop.

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.

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

Cause: LightningFire Size: 846,732 (All Zones) 

Containment: 34% 

(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 in the area. Last evening strategic firing occurred to secure the area along South Fork Mountain down behind homes in Ruth which brought controlled fire down the western slope. Additional dozer lines were constructed between houses to bolster structure defense. This operation will continue throughout the week. 

Dozers and other heavy equipment continue to tie in existing ridges and 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. “These lines are being built in order to stop the forward progression of the fire towards this community” stated Incident Commander Norm McDonald. 

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 various things; securing existing fire lines surrounding homes, clearing flammable vegetation around structures when possible and installing sprinkler systems around structures. 

Established containment lines on the eastern portion of the fire east of East Low Gap are being actively 

monitored. 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 along Wrights Ridge, the August Complex North and South Zones have burned together. Wildfire activity can change quickly and so evacuation warnings and orders may also change at any time. The public is reminded to stay aware of current fire conditions and follow all Evacuation Orders and Warnings. 

Smoky conditions over the fire cleared briefly yesterday which allowed air resources to assist firefighters on the ground. However, warm and dry conditions are expected to continue today. Smoke is once again expected to impact fire today as southwest transport winds develop. 

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. On Saturday, September 19, 2020 selected forests increased access. 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. 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 

Mendocino County, Evacuation Orders Have Been Reduced to an Evacuation Warning

(Redding, CA) – An additional four Type 2 Initial Attack Hand Crews have been routed to the North Zone August Complex for four days to assist in building dozer line ahead of the fire, south of Highway 36. The crews Lassen, Trinity, Iron Mountain and Lone Star State will work with fire managers and other resources on the ground to construct indirect line to reduce the fuels and slow the progression of the fire.  Dozers and other heavy equipment are working to prep and strengthen the area south of the highway and existing fire breaks surrounding the community of Post Mountain/Trinity Pines. Engine crews will assess homes and prepare for the potential of the fire crossing Highway 36. The additional resources arrived at a critical point to improve and hold fire lines as the fire progress north towards Highway 36 and Post Mountain/Trinity Pines. 

REDDING, Calif. — Shasta-Trinity National Forest officials have issued a Forest Closure Order for the area of the August Complex – North Zone Fire burning on the South Fork Management Unit. The closure order No. 14-20-09 prohibits public entry on to National Forest System lands in the closure area, including roads, trails, and recreation sites. It supersedes 14-20-08 and is effective September 19, 2020 until the August Complex – North Zone Fire is declared out. The closure order and map are posted online at: www.fs.usda.gov/goto/stnf/forestorders.

The fires in the August Complex began on August 17, 2020 and were started by lightning. The multiple small fires have expanded and grown together in the Shasta-Trinity, Mendocino, and Six Rivers National Forests, as well as areas outside the forests. The fires are being managed in three zones (North, South, and West) by the USDA Forest Service and CAL FIRE. It is currently the largest wildfire in California history. For additional information about the August Complex – North Zone Fires, please visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6983/.

Fire Update: August Complex (South Zone) 

Date Started: August 17, 2020, Cause: Lightning
Acres Burned: 836,871 (All Zones), Containment: 34%, Expected Containment: November 15
Structures Threatened: 1,595, Structures Destroyed:  35

WILLOWS, Calif. – Sept. 20, 2020 – Steady progress continues on the South Zone of the August Complex. The east side of the Complex is now contained, and resources are being shifted to other areas of the fire. The containment of the entire Complex is now 34 percent.

REDDING, Calif. — Portions of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest will re-open to the public beginning Saturday September 19 at 8 a.m. Dispersed camping and overnight use will be prohibited in portions of the Shasta McCloud Management Unit surrounding the towns of McCloud, Mt. Shasta, Weed, Dunsmuir and Castella until October 31, 2020. Other areas of the forest are currently closed for public safety near the August Complex – North Zone Fire, the Red Salmon Complex Fire and the Fox Fire. All other areas of the forest, including the Shasta and Trinity Lake areas, are planning to resume normal fall operations.

Please visit the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Website, Facebook and Twitter pages for further information. Forest Orders and maps will be posted at https://www.fs.usda.gov/goto/stnf/forestorders. For information about fires and fire closures, please go to InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov.

 WILLOWS, Calif. — Sept. 19, 2020 — Mendocino National Forest officials issued a new area closure for the August Complex effective Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020 through Monday, Nov. 30, 2020. This temporary area closure is necessary to protect the firefighters assigned to the August Complex and protect the public from potential injury caused by hazards created by the fires in the August Complex.