Red Salmon Complex: 15,497 acres at 38% containment (Red Fire - 14,690 acres at 19% containment, Salmon Fire - 807 acres at 79% containment)

Fire Resources: 22 crews, 11 helicopters, 36 engines, 9 bulldozers, 34 water tenders
 

Current Situation: Fires within this Complex have started burning together. The Red and Salmon Fires remain within containment lines and have merged on ridge lines above the Red Cap Lake area. The spot fire near Prospect Peak is pushing into the Red Fire near Whiteys Peak and is also establishing itself in the China Creek drainage. California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 continues to work closely with Native American Tribes in all fire suppression efforts. A series of video meetings with these tribes will occur throughout the week.

Red Fire: Last night on the northwest side, the fire backed down closer to containment lines after a successful burn with the UAS yesterday. Crews monitored the fire through the night, holding it at the containment line. An unburned area of about 5 acres within the line will be burned today, securing this section.

Today fire managers are scouting for containment options and safety concerns along the Packsaddle-Horse Trail ridge system on the southwest, and Devils Backbone on the southeast. These efforts will contain the fire on the south end. On the far north and northeast sections, resource advisors are protecting natural and cultural resource as firefighters continue reinforcing lines on Highpoint Ridge and the dozer line and 04 Road system. Fire managers continue to look for options connecting these lines to contain the fire.

Salmon Fire: Internal unburned islands continue to burn inside containment lines producing smoke.

Weather: Dryer more stable air moves over the area on Wednesday with light winds out of the west at 3-5 mph. Temperatures over the fire today are expected to be 82 to 86. Minimum relative humidity should be around 20 percent. A cooling trend of a few degrees each day will continue through Friday.  

Air Quality: Terrain driven winds will bring smoke down into canyons and valleys again this evening. Refer to fires.airfire.org/outlooks/NWCalifornia.

Closures: The Red Salmon Fire Forest Closure became effective on August 8, 2020. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. The full Forest Closure Order can be found on Inciweb. inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891

Red Salmon Complex: 15,497 acres at 38% containment (Red Fire - 14,690 acres at 19% containment, Salmon Fire - 807 acres at 79% containment)

Fire Resources: 22 crews, 11 helicopters, 36 engines, 9 bulldozers, 34 water tenders

Current Situation: The Red Salmon Complex now has its own Facebook page and Twitter account.  Updates and the most current information can be found using the links listed above.  Inciweb, is also an excellent source of information on the Red Salmon Complex.

Red Fire: Today on the main fire, firefighters used the UAS (Unmanned Aerial System or drone) to burn much remaining fuel bringing the fire closer to containment lines on the northwest corner of the fire. This action bolsters containment of the fire in this high priority area. Tonight crews will monitor and hold these lines as the fire creeps downhill toward containment lines.

On the east side, firefighters also improved the previously constructed line along Highpoint Ridge by installing hose in preparation for burning operations. In addition, resource advisors assisted firefighters in protecting natural and cultural resources as dozers put in line from Salmon Summit to the 04 Road. Fire managers continue to look for the best option to bring these two partial lines together toward Nordheimer Flat encircling the fire. In operations tonight, crews will monitor fire lines making sure they hold.

Salmon Fire: Internal unburned island continue to burn inside containment lines producing periodic smoke.

Weather: Relative humidity today was lower than expected. A cooling trend of a few degrees each day will continue.  Winds tonight will be light moving downslope as the evening cools. Humidity will be 50-60% over the fire tonight.

Air Quality: Terrain driven winds will bring smoke down into canyons and valleys again this evening. Refer to fires.airfire.org/outlooks/NWCalifornia.

Closures: The Red Salmon Fire Forest Closure became effective on August 8, 2020. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. The full Forest Closure Order can be found on Inciweb. inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891

COVID-19: California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 has implemented precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in both fire camp and the surrounding communities. These measures include daily temperature screenings, mandatory use of face coverings, social distancing, implementing more virtual work, and smaller fire camps. Community and firefighter safety are a top priority of both Team 4 and the National Forests.

Fire

Red Salmon Complex: 15,129 acres at 35% containment (Red Fire - 14,322 acres at 19% containment, Salmon Fire - 807 acres at 79% containment)

Fire Resources: 25 crews, 12 helicopters, 42 engines, 8 bulldozers, 34 water tenders
 

Current Situation: Please note; the Red Salmon Complex now has its own Facebook page and Twitter account.  Updates and the most current information can be found using the links listed above.  Inciweb, is also an excellent source of information on the Red Salmon Complex.

Red Fire: Securing the west and northwest sections remains a priority due to the values at risk in this area. Crews will again be focusing their efforts here increasing the depth of containment lines by burning off from established lines. The UAS was not able to complete burning operation as expected last night due technical difficulties.

The fire established near Prospect Peak is burning in very rough and rugged terrain. Therefore, firefighters are not able to directly attack the fire safely. Fire managers will instead use the 04 Road and a previously placed line along Highpoint Ridge to contain the fire. Managers are also taking advantage of the old Butler Fire burn area where fuels are much lighter than surrounding unburned areas.

Salmon Fire: This fire continues to burn within containment lines. The uncontained portion on the west side is burning into the Red Fire as fire managers had planned.

Weather: Thunderstorm potential continues to wane. A high cloud cover will gradually yield to sunshine on the fire later this afternoon. A gradual cooling trend will start today with relative humidity near normal levels. Winds will be light at 5-6 mph from the west.

Air Quality: Terrain driven winds will bring smoke down into canyons and valleys again this evening. Refer to fires.airfire.org/outlooks/NWCalifornia.

Closures: The Red Salmon Fire Forest Closure became effective on August 8, 2020. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. The full Forest Closure Order can be found on Inciweb. inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891

COVID-19: California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 has implemented precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in both fire camp and the surrounding communities. These measures include daily temperature screenings, mandatory use of face coverings, social distancing, implementing more virtual work, and smaller fire camps. Community and firefighter safety are a top priority of both Team 4 and the National Forests.

Red Salmon Complex: 15,129 acres at 35% containment (Red Fire - 14,322 acres at 19% containment, Salmon Fire - 807 acres at 79% containment)

Fire Resources: 25 crews, 12 helicopters, 42 engines, 8 bulldozers, 34 water tenders

Current Situation: Please note; the Red Salmon Complex now has its own Facebook page and Twitter account.  Updates and the most current information are found there using the links listed above.  Inciweb, also listed above will continue to have the most recent information as well.

Red Fire: Firefighters made good progress today strengthening lines on the west side of the fire from Red Cap Creek to Black Mountain.  Tonight’s work will complement these efforts as the UAS (Unmanned Aerial System or drone) is used to ignite and consume fuels between the fire and containment lines. Night burning allows fire managers to better achieve desired effects, consuming ground fuels.

The Prospect Peak spot fire is now burning toward the old Butler Fire from 2013.  Crews continue to prepare the 04 Road for use as a containment line in conjunction with the Butler Fire burn area.

Salmon Fire: This fire continues merging with the Red Fire. As is does, fire managers are working closely with resource advisers considering wilderness and cultural values using Devils Backbone as the containment boundary.

Weather: Thunderstorm potential continues to wane. Temperature tonight will be above average. Relative humidity will be 30 to 40 percent and up to 90 percent in drainages.  

Air Quality: Terrain driven winds will bring smoke down into canyons and valleys again this evening. Refer to fires.airfire.org/outlooks/NWCalifornia.

Closures: The Red Salmon Fire Forest Closure became effective on August 8, 2020. The full Forest Closure Order can be found on Inciweb. inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891

COVID-19: California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 has implemented precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in both fire camp and the surrounding communities. These measures include daily temperature screenings, mandatory use of face coverings, social distancing, implementing more virtual work, and smaller fire camps. Community and firefighter safety are a top priority of both Team 4 and the National Forests.

Fire

Although there is a slight chance of thunderstorm activity, the fire is expected to remain active inside the containment lines. Detailed fire information can be found at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891

Smoke

Southerly flow helped to clean out the valleys adjacent to the fire yesterday, transporting smoke to the north causing moderate impacts to communities along the California/Oregon border. Today will bring a return to terrain influenced upslope/up-valley dominated winds and communities adjacent and down drainage of the fire will see settling smoke return. Those in Orleans, Weitchpec, and Hoopa Valley may see periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups as smoke aloft mixes down to the surface in the late morning and early afternoon, but conditions should improve overnight. Residents in Klamath will likely see Moderate impacts overnight as smoke drains downstream. The north coast, from Eureka to Crescent City, should see good conditions today. Etna and the Scott Valley may see conditions degrade to periods of Unhealthy in the late evening as smoke settles into the valley.

Red Fire: Crews will focus on improving lines on the fire’s west side from Mill Creek Gap towards Black Mountain. Work here is proceeding cautiously because of the rough terrain, dry conditions, and values at risk. Last night firefighters were able to complete night burning operations adding depth and strength to containment lines. In addition today, scouting and other preparation work will continue south toward Horse Trail Ridge.

The Prospect Peak spot fire is now estimated at 386 acres. Firefighters continue checking and cooling this fire from above with water drops from helicopters. Today crews will work along the 04 Road preparing it for use as a containment line should it be needed.

Salmon Fire: Firefighters will be scouting and planning for line construction and improvements south along Devils Backbone.  As the Salmon and Red Fires burn together and move to the south, crews will work to contain the fire between the Packsaddle-Horse Trail ridge system and Devils Backbone ridge.

Weather: The Red Flag Warning from yesterday is no longer in effect. However, a slight risk of afternoon showers and thunderstorms with lightning continues. Winds today will be upslope or westerly 4 to 7 mph, with gusts to 15 mph. Maximum temperatures on the fire will be 84 to 88 degrees, with a relative humidity of 25 percent.

Air Quality: Terrain driven winds will bring smoke down into canyons and valleys again this evening. Refer to fires.airfire.org/outlooks/NWCalifornia.

Closures: The Red Salmon Fire Forest Closure became effective on August 8, 2020. The full Forest Closure Order can be found on Inciweb. inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891

COVID-19: COVID-19 precautions are a priority at all incident camps with daily temperature screenings of personnel and implementing measures such as wearing face coverings and social distancing to prevent Corona virus spread. Community and firefighter safety are a top priority of both the incident management team and the National Forests.

Fire Resources: 24 crews, 14 helicopters, 35 engines, 8 bulldozers, 33 water tenders

Red Salmon Complex: 12,856 acres at 35% containment (Red Fire - 12,049 acres at 19% containment, Salmon Fire - 807 acres at 79% containment)

Current Situation: The Red Salmon Complex consists of the Red and Salmon Fires located on the Six Rivers, Shasta-Trinity, and Klamath National Forests. All fires are being managed for full suppression utilizing minimum impact suppression techniques (MIST).

Red Fire: Fire crews were hampered today by gusty winds possibly due to strong and erratic winds from thunderstorms in and around the fire.  All fire lines held, although a few spot fires were detected west of Packsaddle Ridge.  The spots were successfully lined and will be closely monitored. Operations tonight will again focus on strengthening lines along the western edge of the fire as weather allows. This area continues to be a priority due to the resource values located to the west of the fire. Work here is proceeding carefully due to the rugged topography and dry condition of fuels.

The spot fire which started near Prospect Peak is now estimated at 386 acres.  Crews working in coordination with resource advisors are utilizing the 04 Road northeast towards Orleans Mountain as a good potential containment line. The fire was checked and slowed today using water dropping helicopters. 

Salmon Fire: Several spot fires north of the Salmon Fire were found and lined today. These will be monitored to ensure they remain within the existing containment lines. The remainder of lines around the main fire held. This fire and the Red Fire will eventually burn together and in some areas already have.

Weather: Some light cumulus clouds have formed around the area as instability in the air mass slowly increases. A threat of thunderstorms continues through this evening. Relative humidity will increase slightly compared to the last several evenings.

Air Quality: Terrain driven winds will bring smoke down into canyons and valleys again this evening. Refer to fires.airfire.org/outlooks/NWCalifornia.

Closures: The Red Salmon Fire Forest Closure became effective on August 8, 2020. The full Forest Closure Order can be found on Inciweb. inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891

COVID-19: COVID-19 precautions are a priority at all incident camps with daily temperature screenings of personnel and implementing measures such as wearing face coverings and social distancing to prevent Corona virus spread. Community and firefighter safety are a top priority of both the incident management team and the National Forests.

Fire Resources: 24 crews, 14 helicopters, 36 engines, 11 bulldozers, 34 water tenders

Red Fire: The fire continues to burn within established containment lines. Last night firefighters were successful with burning operations increasing and strengthening lines on the northwest and western portion of the fire. Active fire behavior today will again produce smoke visible from the surrounding areas. Crews will focus on reinforcing lines especially those on the northwest and west side of the fire from Mill Creek Gap to Blacks Lake. Protection efforts for historical and cultural sites around Salmon Summit and High Point Trail Head will continue.

The spot fire near Prospect Peak east of the Red Fire grew yesterday as the very steep and rugged terrain continues to challenge firefighters. Today’s efforts will be directed toward establishing containment lines along Whiteys Ridge and utilizing the 04 road along the old Butler Fire to halt movement toward the northwest.  Aircraft will again be used to support crews on the ground and cool hot spots as needed.
  

Salmon Fire: With containment at 79 percent, fire activity will remain minimal as crews continue mop-up operations. The strategy is for this fire and the Red Fire to burn together along the northwest corner of the Salmon Fire.
 

Weather: A Red Flag Warning will be in effect for the fire and surrounding areas due to expected abundant lightening. Little or no precipitation is expected. A strong high pressure system persists over the region causing low valley inversions and smoke settling in area drainages and valleys. Cloud cover could occur over the fire and surrounding area will result in slightly cooler temperatures and slightly higher humidity. 

Air Quality: The massive high-pressure system in the area may result in more smoke in the valleys creating unhealthy morning air conditions. Refer to fires.airfire.org/outlooks/NWCalifornia.
  

Closures: The Red-Salmon Fire Complex Forest Closure became effective on August 8, 2020. The full Forest Closure Order can be found on Inciweb. inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891
 

COVID-19: COVID-19 precautions are a priority at all incident camps with daily temperature screenings of personnel and implementing measures such as wearing face coverings and social distancing to prevent Corona virus spread. Community and firefighter safety are a top priority of both the incident management team and the National Forests.

Fire

Active fire is expected to remain inside the containment lines despite a weather system moving in from the south. Detailed fire information can be found at: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891
 

Smoke

A southerly flow will transport smoke to the north again today, causing light cross border impacts, but it's not expected to be strong enough to completely clean out valleys local to the fire. Terrain influenced winds will dominate and cause communities adjacent and down drainage of the fire to be most affected in the late morning and afternoon. During the day, those in Orleans, Weitchpec, and Hoopa can expect brief periods of Unhealthy as smoke aloft mixes down to the surface.

Residents in Klamath will likely see impacts overnight, some periods being potentially unhealthy, as smoke drains downstream. The north coast, from Eureka to Crescent City, may see Moderate conditions in the morning, with improving conditions throughout the day. Etna and the Scott Valley may see conditions degrade to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups in the late morning, before improving.