Many Forest Closures and Fire Restrictions Remain in Effect

On the Mendocino National Forest, Forest Order No. 08-20-12 for the August Complex fire area remains in effect.  Many portions of the Mendocino National Forest are closed to public entry.  Access to the closure area for purposes of hunting and recreation is prohibited.

For private property land owners within the boundary of the Mendocino National Forest who access their property via a National Forest Road, a permit for entry is required and issued from the US Forest Service.  Contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316 for more information.

For specific information for the Mendocino National Forest please visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/mendocino/alerts-notices

The Six Rivers National Forest remains fully closed through September 24, 2020 when a re-evaluation of the closure will take place.

For specific information for the Six Rivers National Forest please visit:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/srnf/alerts-notices   

The Shasta-Trinity National Forest has Forest Closures in effect in fire areas, but has opened access outside fire closures – these open areas may prohibit dispersed camping and overnight use.

For specific information for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest please visit:  https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/stnf/alerts-notices 

Fire Restrictions remain in place prohibiting the use of gas stoves, campfires, and all ignition methods that use a flame of any sort. It is critical that all National forest visitors follow these important closures and fire restrictions for their own safety and the safety of our firefighters.

August Complex North Zone Fire Update

September 19, 2020

Incident Commander: Norm McDonald                                                                           

(Redding, CA) A cold front moved through the area bringing higher humidity, more cloud cover and isolated showers.  A gradual wind shift from the north is expected to moderate fire behavior.  Structure defense, line construction and tactical firing operations (applying fire on the ground to remove vegetation and widen containment lines) remain a priority.  As of 6:00 am, the North Zone area is being managed by Alaska Incident Management Team 1 under Incident Commander Norm McDonald. 

The fire crossed north of Rattlesnake Ridge several days ago and firefighters are continuing structure protection efforts in the Forest Glen area.   Crews are assessing the Post Mountain/Trinity Pines  for structure defense and working to strengthen existing fire breaks in the area. Structure defense continues in Ruth Valley and Hettenshaw Valley with structure preparation ongoing in Kettenpom Valley. The public is reminded to stay aware of current fire conditions and follow all Evacuation Orders and Warnings when they are issued.

Date Started: August 17, 2020   Acres Burned: 832,891 (All Zones)             Containment: 31%

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

Expected Containment: November 15, 2020      

WILLOWS, Calif. – Sept. 19, 2020 – Crews continue to make good progress on the South Zone of the August Complex. The entire east side of the Complex is now contained.

On Friday, crews constructed additional line to the west and northwest of Lake Pillsbury.  Once completed, these lines will be used as both primary and alternate locations for containment of the fire. Fire crews also initiated burning operations to the north of Pillsbury Ranch, removing vegetation between control lines and the main fire perimeter.  Additional burning is planned to be completed during favorable weather and other conditions.  Once completed, this will provide a secure line and added protection for the residents of Lake Pillsbury and the surrounding community. Structure protection measures have been implemented where property may be impacted by the fire, as well as throughout the Lake Pillsbury and surrounding areas.

Burning operations are being accomplished both by ground and air. Aerial ignitions are being completed utilizing a dispenser that launches small plastic spheres (like ping pong balls) through an opening in a helicopter. The spheres are filled with a chemical that reacts and ignites after a short delay. This type of ignition allows for burning or firing operations in terrain that may be difficult or unsafe for firefighters to reach by ground.  The planned ignitions are intended to burn in a more mosaic pattern and lower intensity than in an uncontrolled wildfire. 

Weather:  Weather conditions over the weekend include temperatures in the 80s with light winds from the north and northwest.

Evacuations:  In the South Zone of the August Complex, evacuation orders are in effect for Mendocino and Lake counties.  Recent changes to evacuation orders include:

• Mendocino County reduced four of the evacuation zones on the west side of the fire to an evacuation warning. 

• Glenn County lifted the evacuation order within the Mendocino National Forest on Friday.  Residents and property owners may return to their properties but should use extreme caution when entering the burn area, as hazards may be present.  Individuals should have proof of property ownership or other documentation upon request while accessing the forest area. Contractors of private property owners should have documentation of the property being accessed and permission from the landowner.

• The region-wide closure of National Forest lands will be lifted today, Saturday Sept.  19.  However, Forest Order No. 08-20-12 for the August Complex fire area remains in effect.   Properties accessed via a Forest System road will require a permit from the US Forest Service. Access to the closure area for other purposes, including hunting and recreation, is prohibited.  Please contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316 for more information.

   

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/.

Current Situation (August Complex-North Zone):   A cold front moving onshore will bring higher humidity, more cloud cover and isolated showers to the area.  Priorities remain on structure defense, indirect line construction (away from the fire’s edge), direct line construction and tactical firing operations (applying fire on the ground to remove vegetation and widen containment lines).

The fire has crossed north of Rattlesnake Ridge and firefighters are conducting structure protection efforts in the Forest Glen area.  Today crews are assessing the Trinity Pines/Post Mountain area for structure defense. Structure defense continues in Ruth Valley and Hettenshaw Valley with structure preparation ongoing in Kettenpom Valley. The public is reminded to stay aware of current fire conditions and follow all Evacuation Orders and Warnings when they are issued.

Tactical firing operations continue on Horse Ridge, west toward Ruth Valley to check northerly progression of the fire. Direct and indirect control lines have been constructed from Zenia Road east of the East Fork of the Eel River to Mad River Ridge.

On the northeast perimeter (Shasta-Trinity National Forest), good progress has been made and crews continue to reinforce the containment line along the 35 Road.  Established containment lines in this area are being actively monitored.

In the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness along Wrights Ridge, the August Complex North and South Zones continue to merge, therefore it is not safe to put firefighters in the area.

Weather:   A low pressure system will continue to bring higher humidity and more cloud cover in addition to isolated showers in the area. A southwest wind is expected today becoming west later in the day. A drier and warmer pattern is expected for early next week.

Smoke Outlook:   Continued Good air quality is expected to the west of the August Complex with improving conditions expected south of the fire. Prevailing southwesterly-westerly winds will push smoke to the east and northeast through the mid-afternoon, later shifting to the southeast and south as surface and transport winds change.

Evacuation Orders and Warnings:

Trinity County: Evacuation Orders

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

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

Evacuation Warnings

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

Additional Information for Trinity County:

·       https://www.facebook.com/Trinity-County-Sheriffs-Office-1635934306689276

·       Trinity County Sheriff Department: 530-623-8127

·       Office of Emergency Services: Office: 530-623-1116

·       Trinity County OES: https://www.trinitycounty.org/OES

·       Trinity Emergency Alert Network: https://www.trinitycounty.org/oes/codered

Evacuation Centers:  Humboldt County Fairgrounds, 1250 5th St., Ferndale, CA and Trinity County Fairgrounds, 7250 State Highway 3, Hayfork, CA

Mendocino County:

For information on evacuation orders and warnings please contact the following:

·       South Zone fire information: 530-487-4602 

·       For more information on the South Zone of the August Complex, visit this link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6983/55895/  

·       Mendocino County Sheriff Department: 707-234-6052;

Humboldt County:

For information on evacuation orders and warnings please contact the following:

·       West Zone fire information: (707)355-4926

·       For more information on the West Zone of the August Complex, visit this link:  https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2020/8/16/august-complex-includes-doe-fire/

·       Please note that the Humboldt County Fairgrounds is no longer an Evacuation Center. Persons needing evacuation resources from Humboldt County should call our Virtual Temporary Evacuation Point at 707-268-2500.

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

Due to unprecedented and historic fire conditions throughout the state, the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has closed all 18 national forests in California.  This includes the Mendocino, Shasta- Trinity and Six Rivers National Forests. 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

Safety Message: Defensible space is essential to improve your home’s chance of surviving a wildfire. It’s the buffer you create between a building on your property and the grass, trees, shrubs, or any wildland area that surround it. This space is needed to slow or stop the spread of wildfire and it helps protect your home from catching fire—either from direct flame contact or radiant heat. Defensible space is also important for the protection of the firefighters defending your home.

Wildfire Preparedness: Plan, Know and Act.  Ready, Set, Go. Leaving early gives you and your family the best chance of surviving a wildland fire and helps keep the roads clear so firefighters are able to move strategically and lend more focus to suppression efforts in a safer environment.  An important part of leaving early is preparing ahead of time. Take this time to put together an evacuation plan and pack go bags for your family. 

Date Started: August 17, 2020   Acres Burned: 824,118 (All Zones)             Containment: 30%

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

Expected Containment: November 15, 2020      

WILLOWS, Calif. – Sept. 18, 2020 – The entire eastern portion of the south zone of the August Complex is now almost fully contained, with only a few locations of uncontained line remaining. Mop up operations continue in some locations, but most of the eastern area of the fire is progressing to a patrol and monitor status. 

The evacuation for Glenn County within the Mendocino National Forest was lifted as of 8:00 a.m. Friday, Sept.  18. Residents and property owners may return to their properties but should use extreme caution when entering the burn area, as hazards may be present.  Residents and property owners should have proof of property ownership or other documentation upon request while accessing the forest area. Contractors of private property owners should have documentation of the property being accessed and permission from the landowner.

Regional Order No. 20-13 remains in effect from the USDA Forest Service. 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.

The fire remains active along the southwest perimeter and north of Lake Pillsbury. Extremely dry fuels and diurnal downslope winds continue to carry the fire to the south. A coordinated effort between CAL FIRE and the South Zone management team is taking place as fire crews from both organizations add additional control line to help stop fire progression. Dozers, crews and aerial resources are all being used in this effort. Protection around structure and private property continues. Fire crews are also completing burning operations where necessary to provide additional protection and create a secure fire line in advance of the main fire.  

Weather:  Favorable weather conditions are forecast during the day on Friday, with the continued increase in humidity and moderate temperatures in the 60s to low 70s near the fire.  Winds are anticipated from the west, but may shift from the northwest tonight. 

Evacuations:  In the South Zone of the August Complex, evacuation orders are in effect for 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/.

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

Alert: Mendocino County, Evacuation Orders Have Been Reduced To An Evacuation Warning
Friday September 18, 2020, 12:42 PM

Effective Immediately, The following Evacuation Orders in Mendocino County have been reduced to an Evacuation Warning.

• Zone S: South of the County Line, East of Bell Springs Rd, North of Bell Springs Creek and West of the North Fork of the Eel River.
• Zone Q: Sounth of the County Line, West and North of the North Fork of the Eel River, North and East of Bald Mountain Road.
• Zone D: South and East of the Eel River, North of Bentley Basin and West of the National Forest Boundary.
• Zone N: North of the Middle Fork of the Eel River including the Eel River Ranger Station and Black Butte Store, West and South of the National Forest Boundary, East of Williams Creek.

 Road Closures:

• Hearst Willits Road at the Eel River Bridge
• North bound M1 (Also Known As “Indian Dick Road”) East bound FH7 from Eel River Ranger Station

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

View the most current evacuation map at: https://tinyurl.com/MendoEvac

For electrical safety tips after a wildfire, refer to PG&E at: https://tinyurl.com/y7dny9tt

view this message on the web.

Update from the Glenn County Sheriff’s Office - OES 9/17/2020

The Evacuation Order has been lifted for the Mendocino National Forest (Forest Boundary line in Glenn County, west to Mendocino County).

Forest Service access to your property: A Forest Closure Order remains in effect from the US Forest Service. Properties accessed via a Forest System road will require a permit from the US Forest Service. Please contact the Mendocino National Forest at 530-934-3316 for more information.

County road access to your property: Residents and property owners should have proof of property ownership or other documentation upon request accessing the forest area. Contractors of private property owners should have documentation of the property being accessed and permission from the landowner.

Residents should use extreme caution when entering the burn scar area; hazards may be present. Debris has been removed from the roadway, however, use caution on the roadways as conditions may continually change.

Glenn County Roads Update for the Area of the August Complex Fires

The following road is now open with No restrictions:

• County Rd 200 from County Rd 306 to Tehama County line
• Area of Newville (County Rd 200) from County Road 306, west to Forest Boundary

• From Tehama County Line, south to County Road 200.

The following roads are reopened to residents, property owners, and responders only:

• Forest Highway 7 from County Rd 306 to west end

• County Rd 307 from SR 162 to Mendocino Pass

• County Rd 309 from County Rd 306 to County Rd 307 (west end)

• County Rd 311 from County Rd 307 to Lake County line

• County Rd 312 from County Rd 307 to Jenks Camp

• County Rd 313 from County Rd 306 to west end

• County Rd 315 from County Rd 306 to west end

   

  The following road is Not open for residential use at this time

• County Rd 308 from Forest Boundary to west end (M3)

• Estimated to reopen 9/21 end of day.
• Please check Glenn County road conditions: https://www.countyofglenn.net/dept/public-works/road-bridge-maintenance/road-conditions

 

Per the Trinity County Sheriff's Office and the Office of Emergency Services, the following changes to the evacuation orders have been made. The Hettenshaw Valley has been downgraded to an Evacuation Warning only. Please take caution when returning to this area as emergency service vehicles are still in the surrounding areas. The areas of Zenia, Kettenpom, Three Forks, Southern Ruth, and Ruth Lake areas, are still under Evacuation Orders. Hard closures are still in effect for those zones.

 Current Situation (August Complex-North Zone):   A cold front will move through the area bringing a slight chance of light showers this evening and tomorrow. 
Priorities remain on structure defense, indirect line construction (away from the fire’s edge), direct line construction and tactical firing operations (applying fire on the ground to remove vegetation and widen containment lines).  

Structure defense continues in Ruth Valley and structure preparation is ongoing in the communities of Hettenshaw and Kettenpom Valleys, Forest Glen and Trinity Pines/Post Mountain. The public is reminded to stay aware of current fire conditions. Please follow all Evacuation Orders and Warnings when they are issued.

The fire spotted to the north of Rattlesnake Ridge and it is a priority to stop the progress north toward Forest Glen, and Trinity Pines/Post Mountain. Line construction continues from Ruth Valley west to the Middle Fork of the Eel River.

Firefighters continue to construct indirect line to Horse Ridge and direct line to the Middle Fork of the Eel River.  Direct and indirect control lines from Ruth Lake Road to Mad River Ridge are also being worked on.

On the northeast perimeter (Shasta-Trinity National Forest), good progress has been made and crews continue to reinforce the containment line along the 35 Road using tactical firing operations.  Established containment lines in this area are being actively monitored.

Smoke has been preventing the use of aircraft, however yesterday air operations were able to occur on the west side of the fire.

In the Yolla Bolly-Middle Eel Wilderness along Wrights Ridge, the August Complex North and South Zones continue to merge, therefore it is not safe to put firefighters in the area.

Weather:   A low pressure system will bring increased southwest winds today.  Higher relative humidity is expected with a slight chance for late afternoon showers in southwest Trinity County. Winds are expected on the ridgetops between 10-15 mph with gusts to 25 mph. Rain chances diminish later Friday and wetting rains are not expected.  A drier and warmer pattern is expected for early next week.

Smoke Outlook:   Continue to expect improving air quality today on the south and west of the fire due to predominant southwesterly and westerly winds. Smoke from the northern portion of the incident will move more north by northeast.

Evacuation Orders and Warnings:

Trinity County: Evacuation Orders

·       Ruth, Zenia, Kettenpom, Hettenshaw Valley, Forest Glen, and Trinity Pines/Post   Mountain

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

Evacuation Warnings

·       Mad River and the north area of Ruth Lake from Journey’s End to Highway 36

Additional Information for Trinity County:

·       https://www.facebook.com/Trinity-County-Sheriffs-Office-1635934306689276

·       Trinity County Sheriff Department: 530-623-8127

·       Office of Emergency Services: Office: 530-623-1116

·       Trinity County OES: https://www.trinitycounty.org/OES

·       Trinity Emergency Alert Network: https://www.trinitycounty.org/oes/codered

Evacuation Centers:  Humboldt County Fairgrounds, 1250 5th St., Ferndale, CA and Trinity County Fairgrounds, 7250 State Highway 3, Hayfork, CA

Mendocino County:

For information on evacuation orders and warnings please contact the following:

·       South Zone fire information: 530-487-4602 

·       For more information on the South Zone of the August Complex, visit this   link: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6983/55895/  

·       Mendocino County Sheriff Department: 707-234-6052;

Humboldt County:

For information on evacuation orders and warnings please contact the following:

·       West Zone fire information: (707)355-4926

·       For more information on the West Zone of the August Complex, visit this link:  https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2020/8/16/august-complex-includes-doe-fire/

·       Evacuation Line for Humboldt County residents is 707-268-2500.

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

Due to unprecedented and historic fire conditions throughout the state, the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has closed all 18 national forests in California.  This includes the Mendocino, Shasta- Trinity and Six Rivers National Forests. 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

Safety Message: Tree hazards include dead or dying trees, dead parts of live trees, or unstable live trees (due to structural defects or other factors) that are within striking distance of people or property. You can minimize your risk by being aware of trees around you and; avoid all dead trees, hazardous trees and the danger zone in which they may fall; never underestimate the danger posed by small trees; avoid trees with excessive lean (10 degrees or greater); be especially cautious of hazard trees in strong winds.

Wildfire Preparedness: Plan, Know and Act.  Ready, Set, Go. Leaving early gives you and your family the best chance of surviving a wildland fire and helps keep the roads clear so firefighters are able to move strategically and lend more focus to suppression efforts in a safer environment.  An important part of leaving early is preparing ahead of time. Take this time to put together an evacuation plan and pack go bags for your family. 

Date Started: August 17, 2020           Acres Burned: 839,175 (All Zones)             Containment: 30%

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

Expected Containment: November 15, 2020

WILLOWS, CA. – Sept. 17, 2020 – The South Zone of the August Complex continues to steadily spread toward the southwest while containment increases on the eastern side. Containment of the Complex remains at 30 percent.

Weeks of record temperatures and limited precipitation have expanded severe drought conditions across much of the area. Due to these conditions, growth is expected to continue on the August Complex even with the chance of rain in the forecast over the next few days. In the Yuki and Sanhedrin Wilderness areas, the fire will continue to move toward the Lake Pillsbury area, and to the west beyond the Impassable Rock area. 

In the Lake Pillsbury area, crews and dozers connected fire line to previously constructed fire lines from the 2018 Ranch fire. Structure protection groups are committed to building fire lines and removing vegetation around private property and critical communications infrastructure. CAL FIRE personnel are assigned to assist with operations in the southwestern corner of the fire. If necessary, a tactical burnout around structures in the area may take place. This is done in order to prevent the main fire from spreading rapidly toward structures.

In the Elder Creek area, additional containment has been obtained as crews continue mop-up operations with a focus on having this area of the fire contained within a few more days. Vegetation interior to the perimeter of the fire and near the eastern edge of the fire continues to smolder and produce smoke. Control lines in the area of Salt Creek are holding well.

Weather:  Humidity is expected to increase, with a slight chance of rain today and tomorrow.  Temperatures in the area of the fire will remain in the upper 60s to the mid-70s. Southwesterly winds are forecast as a low pressure system moves through.

Evacuations:  In the South Zone of the August Complex, evacuation orders are in effect for Mendocino, Glenn, 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/.

Meetings: The August Complex-South Zone will hold a Virtual Public Meeting at 7 pm on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2020 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. 

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

The August Complex South Zone will be hosting a Virtual Public Meeting on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at 7 pm.  The meeting will be live streamed on the Mendocino National Forest Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/MendocinoNF.  Questions may be submitted beforehand by emailing 2020.augustcomplex@firenet.gov.  Questions may also be entered in the comments section during the live meeting.  The speakers will attempt to answer as many questions as they can during the live event.