Decker Fire Update
September 15, 2019, 10:00 a.m.

Rio Grande National Forest
Pike-San Isabel National Forest
BLM - Front Range Fire and Aviation Management Unit
John Markalunas, Incident Commander

Decker Fire Active on Saturday

Current Situation: The Decker Fire was very active on Saturday, specifically on the southwestern flank as the fire moved south of Merkt Creek towards the Oxcart Fire burn scar. There was activity in the upper Bear Creek drainage along the top of the ridge as well. In both locations, the fire moved through heavy dead and down fuels and was spurred by low humidity, warmer temperatures, and consistent winds. The fire remains on national forest lands and primarily in the Wilderness.
On the west side of the fire, the Platte Canyon Wildland Fire Module continues to check the fire’s spread onto non-forest lands on the west side of the ridge and tied the fire into natural barriers within the Wilderness. They remain spike camped on the northwest side of the fire to monitor behavior.

The east side of the fire was also active yesterday afternoon, as the fire moved into heavy dead and down beetle-killed fuels. The fire did not make any significant runs towards the east and remains totally in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area. Crews will continue monitoring the east side of the fire and allowing fire to play its natural role in Wilderness to promote forest health and resiliency. A crew (MOD2) completed work to clear fuels from around the communications site on Methodist Mountain. Crews also placed repeaters and a remote weather station on Saturday. A Type 3 helicopter from Helena, Montana remains assigned to the incident and remains available, should the need arise.

The fire is expected to continue flanking south towards the Oxcart Fire scar today as well as slowly working north along the ridge towards the peak of Methodist Mountain.
The fire is visible at night and will be visible from both the US 50 and US 285 corridors. Motorists are asked to not stop in the roadway and to safely get off the roadway to observe the fire. Please do not call 911 to report fire behavior on the Decker Fire or to request fire information. A fire information line (number below) is available for fire updates. Please call 911 for emergencies only.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 60s and minimum humidity will be from 17-22%. Winds are forecast to be 8 mph out of the southwest, with intermittent gusts of up to 20 mph. With low humidity, warmer temperatures, and consistent winds, it is possible that fire behavior and smoke production will be active today, similar to yesterday. A low pressure system will develop over southern Colorado this afternoon. The low pressure system will bring isolated thunderstorm chances over the Decker Fire Sunday afternoon.

Evacuations and Closures: There are no evacuations or closures at this time. Smoke may settle into the US Highway 50 corridor in the late afternoons or evenings. Drivers are encouraged to reduce speed near the fire if smoke affects visibility.

Smoke: On Saturday, the Air Resource Advisor moved the Salida smoke monitor to the Bear Creek area. The other sensor remains in Coaldale. Real-time smoke information for both sensors is available at bit.ly/deckerfiresmoke. A smoke forecast has been issued for the Salida and Arkansas River Valley. That forecast can be found at https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/CentralColorado. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s smoke outlook can be found at https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colo_smoke.aspx.

Decker Fire Statistics:
Size: Approximately 355 acres as of 2 p.m. Saturday
Containment: 0%
Total Personnel: 47
Cause: Lightning
Start Date: September 8, 2019
Location: 9 miles south of Salida, CO

Contact Information:
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6592/
Facebook: facebook.com/DeckerFire2019
Fire Info Line: (719) 626-1095 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Email: 2019.Decker@firenet.gov
Twitter: #DeckerFire2019

Decker Fire Update
September 14, 2019, 10:00 a.m.

Rio Grande National Forest
Pike-San Isabel National Forest
BLM - Front Range Fire and Aviation Management Unit
John Markalunas, Incident Commander

Decker Fire Active on Friday, Expected to Be Active Saturday
Public Meeting: A public meeting will be held at 5:00 p.m. today, Saturday, September 14 at the Poncha Springs Town Hall, located at 330 Burnett Ave. Fire managers will be available to give an update on the fire and answer questions from the public.

Current Situation: The Decker Fire was more active on Friday as heavy dead and down fuels in the Wilderness burned. The increased fire activity was attributed to lower humidity, higher temperatures, and consistent winds through the day. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire and work to ensure that the fire remains on national forest lands.

The west side of the fire was active yesterday, specifically in burning off islands of unburned fuel in previously burned areas. The Platte Canyon Wildland Fire Module is camped between the fire and US Highway 285 to monitor and check the fire’s spread onto non-forest lands on the west side of the ridge. This crew scouted the northwest edge of the fire on Friday to find natural barriers that can be used to check the fire on natural barriers within the Wilderness.

The east side of the fire was active yesterday afternoon, as the fire moved into heavy dead and down beetle-killed fuels. The fire did not make any significant runs and remains totally in the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness Area. Crews will continue monitoring the east side of the fire and allowing fire to play its natural role in Wilderness to promote forest health and resiliency. A crew (MOD2) worked to clear fuels from around the communications site on Methodist Mountain. Crews will also be placing repeaters to bolster the current communications system and will be placing a remote weather station on Saturday. A Type 3 helicopter from Helena, Montana remains assigned to the incident and remains available, should the need arise.

Fire will be visible on the ridge from the US 285 corridor and the Arkansas River Valley in the evenings and at night. Please do not call 911 to report fire behavior on the Decker Fire or to request fire information. A fire information line (number below) is available for fire updates. Please call 911 for emergencies only.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 60s and minimum humidity will be from 8-13%. Winds are forecast to be 11-15 mph out of the west, with intermittent gusts of up to 22 mph. With lower humidity and consistent winds, it is possible that fire behavior and smoke production will be active today, similar to yesterday.

Evacuations and Closures: There are no evacuations or closures at this time. Smoke may settle into the US Highway 50 corridor in the late afternoons or evenings. Drivers are encouraged to reduce speed near the fire if smoke affects visibility.

Smoke: On Friday, the Air Resource Advisor began collecting data from their two air quality monitors - one east of Salida and another in Coaldale. A smoke forecast has been issued for the Salida and Arkansas River Valley. That forecast can be found at https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/CentralColorado. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s smoke outlook can be found at https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colo_smoke.aspx.

Decker Fire Statistics:
Size: Approximately 276 acres
Containment: 0%
Total Personnel: 30
Cause: Lightning
Start Date: September 8, 2019
Location: 9 miles south of Salida, CO

Contact Information:
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6592/
Facebook: facebook.com/DeckerFire2019
Twitter: #DeckerFire2019
Fire Info Line: (719) 626-1095 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Email: 2019.Decker@firenet.gov

Decker Fire Update
September 13, 2019, 11:00 a.m.

Rio Grande National Forest
Pike-San Isabel National Forest
BLM - Front Range Fire and Aviation Management Unit
John Markalunas, Incident Commander

Type 3 Organization Takes Command of Decker Fire
Public Meeting: A public meeting will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 14 at the Poncha Springs Town Hall, located at 330 Burnett Ave. Fire managers will be available to give an update on the fire and answer questions from the public.

Current Situation: The Decker Fire had limited activity Thursday, amounting to approximately 18 acres of growth, despite lower than expected humidity through the day.
On Thursday, the Type 3 Incident Management Team, led by John Markalunas, took command of the fire. Fire managers gained intelligence on the fire from reconnaissance flights through the day. A plan has been established to increase communications among responders by placing portable repeaters in the Methodist Mountain area. Firefighters continue to monitor and scout the fire area. The Platte Canyon Wildland Fire Module is camped between the fire and US Highway 285 to monitor and check the fire’s spread onto non-forest lands.

Additional resources continue to join the efforts on the fire. An Air Resource Advisor deployed two air quality monitors in the Arkansas Valley - one east of Salida and another in Coaldale. As they begin collecting data, a daily forecast for smoke will be made available to the public. A Type 3 helicopter from Helena, Montana is assigned to the incident. This aircraft is capable of bucket drops or can be used to extricate injured firefighters, if either of those functions are needed. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire and work to ensure that the fire remains on national forest lands.

A fire information line is available to the public for fire updates. Please do not call 911 to report fire behavior on the Decker Fire or to request fire information. Please call 911 for emergencies only. Hours of operation for that line will be expanded to 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. starting Friday.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Seasonal temperatures are expected into Saturday. Temperatures will reach the mid-60s and humidity is expected to be lower today, between 10 and 15 percent. Winds are forecast to be 10-15 mph out of the southwest, with intermittent gusts of up to 22 mph. With lower humidity and consistent winds, it is possible that fire behavior and smoke production will be greater today versus what was seen on Wednesday and Thursday.

Evacuations and Closures: There are no evacuations or closures at this time. Smoke may settle into the US Highway 50 corridor in the late afternoons or evenings. Drivers are encouraged to reduce speed near the fire if smoke affects visibility.

Smoke: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued a smoke outlook for the Decker Fire. This could bring periods of light to moderate smoke to Salida, Cleora, Wellsville, and Howard. Friday night and Saturday morning, drainage winds will allow smoke to settle in locations below the fire, both to the south and southwest in northeastern Saguache County, and toward the east or northeast in western Fremont County. For more information on smoke from the Decker Fire, please visit https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colo_advisory.aspx.

Decker Fire Statistics:
Size: Approximately 263 acres
Containment: 0%
Total Personnel: 28
Cause: Lightning
Start Date: September 8, 2019
Location: 9 miles south of Salida, CO

Contact Information:
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6592/
Facebook: facebook.com/DeckerFire2019
Fire Info Line: (719) 626-1095 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)
Email: 2019.Decker@firenet.gov

Decker Fire Update
September 12, 2019, 11:00 a.m.

Rio Grande National Forest
Pike-San Isabel National Forest
BLM - Front Range Fire and Aviation Management Unit
John Markalunas, Incident Commander

Decker Fire Grows, Additional Resources Arriving
Current Situation: The Decker Fire activity was limited on Wednesday, limited by cloud cover, cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and less wind. The growth reflected in the current acreage is attributed to activity on Tuesday afternoon and evening.

The fire crossed the ridge between Simmons Peak and Methodist Mountain into upper Bear Creek drainage on Tuesday and continued to back down the drainage on Wednesday, amounting to approximately 50 acres on the San Isabel National Forest. Crews took action on Wednesday to secure the southwest corner of the fire on the Rio Grande National Forest to limit the spread of the fire in that direction.

Additional resources are arriving to manage the fire. An Air Resource Advisor is now assigned to the fire and will be monitoring smoke in and around local communities. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire and work to ensure that the fire remains on national forest lands. Crews will prepare areas the Rainbow Trail and infrastructure near the fire to mitigate effects of the fire on these resources.

Today, a Type 3 organization led by Incident Commander John Markalunas took control of the fire at 7 a.m. The Type 3 organization is better equipped to manage the increased number of resources across jurisdictional boundaries. Additional resources will be ordered as needed to accomplish the objectives of the fire.

Public information resources are now established and providing updates about the fire. Among those resources is a fire information line that is available to the public for fire updates. Please do not call 911 to report fire behavior on the Decker Fire or to request fire information. Please call 911 for emergencies only.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Seasonal temperatures are expected into Friday. Temperatures will reach the mid-60s and humidity is expected to remain between 24 and 29 percent. Winds are forecast to be 15-20 mph out of the southwest, and then gradually shift to the west tonight and early Thursday. Wind speeds are anticipated to slowly decrease Thursday afternoon.

Evacuations and Closures: There are no evacuations or closures at this time. Motorists are encouraged to be aware of fire traffic and possible heavy roadside activity along US 285 in the vicinity of Alder. Smoke may settle into the US Highway 50 corridor in the late afternoons or evenings. Drivers are encouraged to reduce speed near the fire if smoke affects visibility.

Smoke: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued a smoke outlook for the Decker Fire. Winds near the fire on Thursday will primarily be out of the west, transporting smoke east of the fire towards the Chaffee/Fremont County line, and could bring periods of smoke to Salida, Cleora, Wellsville, and Howard. The fire’s movement towards the east side of the ridge increases the possibility of smoke impacts in areas on the east face of this ridge. For more information on smoke from the Decker Fire, please visit https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colo_advisory.aspx.

Decker Fire Statistics:
Size: Approximately 245 acres
Containment: 0%
Total Personnel: 25
Cause: Lightning
Start Date: September 8, 2019
Location: 9 miles south of Salida, CO

Contact Information:
Fire Info Line: (719) 626-1095 (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6592/
Facebook: facebook.com/DeckerFire2019
Email: 2019.Decker@firenet.gov
Twitter: #DeckerFire2019

Decker Fire Update
September 11, 2019, 11:00 a.m.
Rio Grande National Forest
Pike-San Isabel National Forest
BLM - Front Range Fire and Aviation Management Unit
Curtis Smith, Incident Commander

Fire Information: (719) 626-1095
Hours of Operation: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Decker Fire Crosses onto San Isabel National Forest; Information Resources Available

Current Situation: The Decker Fire remained active on Tuesday, as it reached the ridge between Simmons Peak and Methodist Mountain. One spot fire north of the main fire burned approximately 10 additional acres of beetle-killed forest high on the ridge. The fire continues to back down the east side of the ridge. Flames may be visible from Salida and the US Highway 50 corridor. By crossing the ridge between Simmons Peak and Methodist Mountain, the fire is now burning on both the Rio Grande and San Isabel National Forest.

Today, additional resources will be arriving to manage the fire. The Platte Canyon Wildand Fire Module will arrive today as well as three Public Information Officers. Firefighters will continue to monitor the fire and work to ensure that the fire remains within the national forest. A Colorado Fire Prevention and Control multi-mission aircraft (MMA) is anticipated to fly over the fire today for more accurate mapping and estimate of fire size.

Fire managers will be transitioning the command of the fire to a Type 3 organization late Wednesday or early Thursday morning to better manage incoming resources.

New information resources about the fire are now available to the public. A fire information line, email address, Inciweb page, and a Decker Fire-specific Facebook page have been established. That information is included below.

Please do not call 911 to report fire behavior on the Decker Fire. Please call 911 for emergencies only.

Weather & Fuel Conditions: Seasonal temperatures are expected into Thursday. Temperatures will reach the mid-60s and humidity is expected to remain between 20 and 30 percent. Southwest winds 15-20 mph with gusts up to 35 mph are expected through the day.

Evacuations and Closures: There are no evacuations or closures at this time. Motorists are encouraged to be aware of fire traffic and possible heavy roadside activity along US 285 in the vicinity of Alder.

Smoke: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has issued a smoke outlook for the Decker Fire. Winds near the fire on Wednesday will primarily be out of the southwest, transporting smoke to the northeast of the fire towards the Chaffee/Fremont County line, and could bring periods of smoke to Salida, Cleora, Wellsville, and Howard. Winds may be breezy and gusty at times on Wednesday afternoon. For more information on smoke from the Decker Fire, please visit https://www.colorado.gov/airquality/colo_advisory.aspx.

Decker Fire Statistics:
Size: Approximately 98 acres
Containment: 0%
Total Personnel: 8
Cause: Lightning
Start Date: September 8, 2019

Location: 9 miles south of Salida, CO

Contact Information:
InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6592/
Fire Info Line: (719) 626-1095
Facebook: facebook.com/DeckerFire2019
Twitter: #DeckerFire2019

Decker Fire
Fire Update
September 10, 2019

Location: Sangre de Cristo Wilderness area, Saguache RD, Rio Grande National Forest; 9 miles south of Salida, Colorado

Cause: Lightning strike in a standing green aspen stand living at approximately 10,700 feet in elevation

Fire Behavior: Remains low with a smoldering fire and some creeping into the surrounding spruce-fir. The fire will become more active during the evening as fuels dry. Flames and smoke can be seen from Highway 285. Fire is consuming standing dead trees and smoke is settling into the town of Salida.

Size: Sunday September 8, the fire was at 7 acres and grew to 29 acres by September 9. Daytime drying resulted in fire growth to 98 acres as of September 10.

Surrounding Area and Fuels: The fire is burning in the understory of aspen stands. Understories are composed of grass and downed trees.

Closures: None at this time.

Current Situation:
Fire managers develop a strategy for every type of fire which includes tactical decisions specific to each incident. First priority for all wildfires is the safety of personnel, the public, including adjacent landowners and the safe and effective utilization of firefighting resources. Additional objectives for the Decker Fire include the enhancement of the Sangre de Cristo Wilderness’s natural values through the ecological effects of fire. Working together, fire managers and fuel specialists have been advancing and fulfilling wildfire protection preparedness and readiness for several years.

A fire engine module and fire planning specialists are assigned to the Decker fire and continue to actively manage the wilderness fire. Information and daily up- dates to fire managers help to support and provide next steps for response as concluded in the Incident Decision document, developed during the initial planning process. Flames and smoke from this fire may occasionally be visible from vantage points throughout Chaffee, Fremont and Saguache counties. Smoke may impact Salida, Poncha Springs, and other Arkansas Valley locations.

Lime Fire & Kidder 2 Fire Update - 9/17/2019

Lime Fire Wildfire
News – 20 min. ago

Yreka, CA. – The Lime and Kidder 2 Fires were started by lightning on September 5, 2019.

Active weather is expected over both fires today. A second cold front is on the way with winds that will be increasing this afternoon. Wetting rains are likely Tuesday evening through Wednesday. Cool and blustery conditions will persist on Wednesday with a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Lime Fire – is located south of Cottonwood Peak on the Happy Camp/Oak Knoll Ranger District.

The fire is currently at 1,872 acres 96% contained as firefighters continue to improve containment lines around the fire perimeter.

Information on the Klamath National Forest Lime Fire closure order, issued on September 11, can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices. The public is asked to remain away from closed areas, to allow the firefighters and equipment to work safely.

The public is advised to continue to exercise extreme caution along Highway 96 when driving in the vicinity of the fire.

Kidder 2 Fire – is located ten miles southwest of Fort Jones in the Marble Mountain Wilderness on the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District.

This fire is located in remote and extremely difficult terrain. The fire is 207 acres in size and is 43% contained, firefighters are continuing to construct containment lines along the fire perimeter.

The Pacific Crest Trail passes near the Kidder 2 Fire. For their safety, hikers are advised to avoid the fire area. Please be aware of changing fire conditions.Information on the Klamath National Forest Kidder 2 Fire closure order, issued on September 11, can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices. Forest visitors can contact the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District Office at (530) 468-5351 for additional information or alternative recreational opportunities in the area.

This will be the final scheduled update from California Incident Management Team 15. A Klamath National Forest Type 3 organization will assume command of the Lime Fire and the Kidder 2 Fire at 7:00 a.m. Wednesday September 18th, 2019.

Please visit the following websites for more information: Lime Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6576/Kidder 2 Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6584/Facebook: www.facebook.com/KlamathNFTwitter: https://twitter.com/Klamath_NFTelephone: Joshua Veal (530) 841-4485


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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Lime Fire & Kidder 2 Fire Update - 9/16/2019

Yreka, CA. – The Lime and Kidder 2 Fires were started by lightning on September 5, 2019. The following are updates for each fire:

Lime Fire – is located south of Cottonwood Peak on the Happy Camp/Oak Knoll Ranger District.

The fire is currently at 1,872 acres and 84% contained.

On Sunday firefighters worked on strengthening fire containment lines and extinguishing remaining hot spots within the fire perimeter. Suppression efforts were aided by the wetting rains.

An upper level disturbance will move through the region today bringing showers and much colder temperatures along with possible afternoon thunder storms. Precipitation will diminish Monday night into Tuesday, but the chances increase as another system arrives mid-week.

Information on the Klamath National Forest Lime Fire closure order, issued on September 11, can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices. The public is asked to remain away from closed areas, to allow the firefighters, engines, helicopters, and other equipment to work safely.

The evacuation warnings for residences within and adjacent to the Lime Fire, have been lifted by the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office.

The public is advised to continue to exercise extreme caution along Highway 96 when driving in the vicinity of the fire. To ensure public safety, the highway occasionally may be subject to temporary closure.

Kidder 2 Fire – is located ten miles southwest of Fort Jones in the Marble Mountain Wilderness on the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District.

This fire is located in remote and extremely difficult terrain. The fire is 207 acres in size and 43% contained. The decrease in containment is due to a small amount of fire growth from the wind event yesterday. The incident received precipitation and growth has slowed significantly. The cooler temperatures and rain chances will continue to aid firefighters on the Kidder 2 incident.
The Pacific Crest Trail passes near the Kidder 2 Fire. For their safety, hikers are advised to avoid the fire area. Please be aware of changing fire conditions. 

Information on the Klamath National Forest Kidder 2 Fire closure order, issued on September 11, can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices. Forest visitors can contact the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District Office at (530) 468-5351 for additional information or alternative recreational opportunities in the area.

Additional information and daily updates:
Lime Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6576/
Kidder 2 Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6584/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KlamathNF
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Klamath_NF
Smoke Outlook: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/NorthernKlamathNF
Telephone: Joshua Veal (530) 841-4485

Lime Fire & Kidder 2 Fire Update – 9/15/2019

Yreka, CA. – The Lime and Kidder 2 Fires were started by lightning on September 5, 2019. The following are updates for each fire:

Lime Fire – is located south of Cottonwood Peak on the Happy Camp/Oak Knoll Ranger District.

The fire is currently at 1,872 acres 84% contained.

On Saturday firefighters worked on strengthening fire containment lines and extinguishing remaining hot spots within the fire perimeter. Today they will work on increasing the percentage of containment and further securing the fire in advance of an approaching cold front.

Today’s weather forecast is for gusty winds, increasing clouds and a slight chance of rain in the afternoon. Maximum temperatures are forecast between 68 to 76 degrees. The minimum humidity on the highest elevations of the fire is expected to be between 25 to 35%. Forecasted wind speeds are 3 to 20 mph with gusts to 25 mph.

Information on the Klamath National Forest Lime Fire closure order, issued on September 11, can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices. The public is asked to remain away from closed areas, to allow the firefighters, engines, helicopters, and other equipment to work safely.

The September 7 evacuation warning for residences within and adjacent to the Lime Fire, was lifted by the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday September 12.

The public is advised to continue to exercise extreme caution along Highway 96 when driving in the vicinity of the fire. To ensure public safety, the highway occasionally may be subject to temporary closure.

Kidder 2 Fire – is located ten miles southwest of Fort Jones in the Marble Mountain Wilderness on the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District.

This fire is located in remote and extremely difficult terrain. The fire is 181 acres in size and 54% contained. Smoke from this fire occasionally has been visible this week from State Highway 3, indicating additional fuel being consumed within the fire perimeter. Today firefighters are concentrating on keeping the fire within the containment lines on the east side of the fire.

The Pacific Crest Trail passes near the Kidder 2 Fire. For their safety, hikers are advised to avoid the fire area.

Information on the Klamath National Forest Kidder 2 Fire closure order, issued on September 11, can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices. Forest visitors can contact the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District Office at (530) 468-5351 for additional information or alternative recreational opportunities in the area.

Additional information and daily updates:

Lime Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6576/

Kidder 2 Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6584/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KlamathNF

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Klamath_NF

Telephone: Joshua Veal (530) 841-4485

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Lime Fire & Kidder 2 Fire Update – 9/14/2019

Yreka, CA. – The Lime and Kidder 2 Fires were started by lightning on September 5, 2019. The following are updates for each fire:

Lime Fire – is located south of Cottonwood Peak on the Happy Camp/Oak Knoll Ranger District.

The fire is currently at 1,872 acres 71% contained.

Firefighters were very productive yesterday and increased the percentage of containment from 45 to 71%. They will continue to mop up and strengthen fire containment lines today.

Today’s weather forecast is for clear skies and warm and dry air. Maximum temperatures are forecast between 84 and 91 degrees. The minimum humidity on the highest elevations of the fire is expected to be between 15 to 25%. Forecasted wind speeds are 5 to 10 mph with gusts to 15 mph.

On Friday morning one firefighter was airlifted to Medford for medical treatment after being struck by a tree. The firefighter remains hospitalized in stable condition. This is a reminder of the hazardous conditions our firefighters face on a daily basis while out on the fireline.

Information on the Klamath National Forest Lime Fire closure order, issued on September 11, can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices. The public is asked to remain away from closed areas, to allow the firefighters, engines, helicopters, and other equipment to work safely.

The September 7 evacuation warning for residences within and adjacent to the Lime Fire, was lifted by the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday September 12.

The public is advised to continue to exercise extreme caution along Highway 96 when driving in the vicinity of the fire. To ensure public safety, the highway occasionally may be subject to temporary closure. Motorists are also encouraged to be aware of potentially distracted driving along Interstate 5, as the fire is visible from a number of vantage points north of Yreka.

Kidder 2 Fire – is located ten miles southwest of Fort Jones in the Marble Mountain Wilderness on the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District.

This fire is located in an isolated and extremely steep and rugged part of the forest. The fire is 165 acres in size and 54% contained. Firefighters continue to build and improve fireline.

The Pacific Crest Trail passes near the Kidder 2 Fire. For their safety, hikers are advised to avoid the fire area.

Information on the Klamath National Forest Kidder 2 Fire closure order, issued on September 11, can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices. Forest visitors can contact the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District Office at (530) 468-5351 for additional information or alternative recreational opportunities in the area.

Additional information and daily updates:

Lime Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6576/

Kidder 2 Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6584/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KlamathNF

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Klamath_NF

Telephone: Joshua Veal (530) 841-4485

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Lime Fire & Kidder 2 Fire Update – 9/14/2019

Yreka, CA. – The Lime and Kidder 2 Fires were started by lightning on September 5, 2019. The following are updates for each fire:

Lime Fire – is located south of Cottonwood Peak on the Happy Camp/Oak Knoll Ranger District.

The fire is currently at 1,872 acres 71% contained.

Firefighters were very productive yesterday and increased the percentage of containment from 45 to 71%. They will continue to mop up and strengthen fire containment lines today.

Today’s weather forecast is for clear skies and warm and dry air. Maximum temperatures are forecast between 84 and 91 degrees. The minimum humidity on the highest elevations of the fire is expected to be between 15 to 25%. Forecasted wind speeds are 5 to 10 mph with gusts to 15 mph.

On Friday morning one firefighter was airlifted to Medford for medical treatment after being struck by a tree. The firefighter remains hospitalized in stable condition. This is a reminder of the hazardous conditions our firefighters face on a daily basis while out on the fireline.

Information on the Klamath National Forest Lime Fire closure order, issued on September 11, can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices. The public is asked to remain away from closed areas, to allow the firefighters, engines, helicopters, and other equipment to work safely.

The September 7 evacuation warning for residences within and adjacent to the Lime Fire, was lifted by the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday September 12.

The public is advised to continue to exercise extreme caution along Highway 96 when driving in the vicinity of the fire. To ensure public safety, the highway occasionally may be subject to temporary closure. Motorists are also encouraged to be aware of potentially distracted driving along Interstate 5, as the fire is visible from a number of vantage points north of Yreka.

Kidder 2 Fire – is located ten miles southwest of Fort Jones in the Marble Mountain Wilderness on the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District.

This fire is located in an isolated and extremely steep and rugged part of the forest. The fire is 165 acres in size and 54% contained. Firefighters continue to build and improve fireline.

The Pacific Crest Trail passes near the Kidder 2 Fire. For their safety, hikers are advised to avoid the fire area.

Information on the Klamath National Forest Kidder 2 Fire closure order, issued on September 11, can be found at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices. Forest visitors can contact the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District Office at (530) 468-5351 for additional information or alternative recreational opportunities in the area.

Additional information and daily updates:

Lime Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6576/

Kidder 2 Fire InciWeb: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6584/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/KlamathNF

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Klamath_NF

Telephone: Joshua Veal (530) 841-4485

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