Today, firefighters moved in on the fires of the Happy Camp Complex. As predicted, fire behavior was significantly calmer than in previous operational periods. Up to 2 ½ inches of rain was received over portions of the Head Fire last night, making vegetation much less receptive to fire. The damp conditions provided an opportunity to go directly onto the fire’s edge on most of the 13 fires burning in the complex.

Dozers and crews went direct across the northwest section of the Head Fire, and a plan was developed to send crews from Collins Baldy Lookout to the south and west. Firefighters in the Scott Bar area worked to tie in multiple fingers of fire. Crews and dozers will continue their work on the west side of the Head Fire, south of Hamburg.

There was some growth in the Gold and Scott Fires. Control lines have been completed to the southeast of those fires, and the current focus is completing line construction on the north side.

The west side of the complex remained active, and helicopters were used to hold the Elliot Fire in Dillon Creek as it tried to push to the north. A plan was developed to address the potential of the northward movement of the Swillup Fire. The Malone Fire grew slightly, and firefighters are constructing and improving fire lines.

Drier air will move over the region, leading to sunny skies with higher temperatures and lower relative humidity. Fuels will start to dry out, and fire behavior will once again become more active over the next few days.

CURRENT ACRES BURNED:

Canyon (1,108), Three Creeks (320), Elliot (669), Swillup (576), Ufish (583), Malone (156), Head (6,419), Den (294), Townsend (81), Block (0.1), Gold (936), Scott (300), Lake (174)

EVACUATIONS:  View current Siskiyou County evacuation orders, warnings by visiting: community.zonehaven.com. Siskiyou County residents are encouraged to sign up for rapid emergency notifications using the CodeRED emergency alert system. https://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/emergencyservices/page/codered-emergency-alert

An evacuation center has been established at the Kahtishraam Wellness Center, 1403 Kahtishraam, Yreka, CA 95097. Call (530) 340-3539 if you have questions regarding the shelter.

ROAD CLOSURES: Highway 96 is closed from Seiad Creek Road to two miles east of Horse Creek.  Scott River Road is closed at Kelsey Creek Road. Fire and debris flow will continue to impact the Highway 96 corridor. Please check the Cal Trans website prior to travel in the area, quickmap.dot.ca.gov.  County road closures will be listed on the Siskiyou County Public Works website, https://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/publicworks/page/closures-and-delays . If you are traveling and encounter mud or debris flow across the roadway do not attempt to cross over the flow. Vehicles can easily be swept off the roadway.

FOREST CLOSURE: Two closure orders have been implemented; Happy Camp Complex Emergency Fire Closure, No.05-05-23-06; Happy Camp Complex Emergency Fire Closure, No. 05-05-23-07. Please refer to https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices to view the orders and maps.

TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTION (TFR): A TFR has been established over the fire area. Flight restrictions include the use of drones. Operation of drones under the TFR is prohibited.

PACIFIC CREST TRAIL: The Pacific Crest Trail has been impacted by the Happy Camp Complex and a portion of the trail is within an Emergency Closure Order on the Klamath National Forest. The trail is closed between Etna Summit and the Oregon border.

AIR QUALITY: For information smoke impacts and what you can do to protect yourself visit: https://www.airnow.gov/

• Fire Information:
• Public Phone: (530) 330-5441
• Media Phone: (530) 330-5452*
• Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily
• Email: 2023.happycampcomplex@firenet.gov

*Please note: a new phone line has been established for media inquiries.

Fire activity was minimal yesterday due to widespread rains impacting the fire area. Approximately 1.25 inches of rain fell in the last 24 hours in the fire area. 

Fire personnel will scout roads for safe conditions to access the fire area following the heavy rains yesterday. If road and forest conditions allow, crews will continue line construction along the western edge of the fire. Firefighters will also be constructing fire line along the north flank of the fire near the 405 road. Aviation resources plan to use infrared technology to identify where heat remains on the fire if weather permits.  

Weather: Moisture will continue to impact the area today with showers and thunderstorms with a chance of wetting rain at 50 percent. A weak cold front across the area will bring a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms through Wednesday. 

Closure Area: In place for public safety and details including a map can be found on the East Fire InciWeb page and the forest Facebook page. 

Air Quality: http://idsmoke.blogspot.com/ 

Web: https://www.fs.usda.gov/boise/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoiseNationalForest 

InciWeb:  https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/idbof-east. 

On August 15th 2023, the Rogue River-Siskiyou implemented Stage 3 Public Use Restrictions limiting the use of fire along the Rogue National Wild and Scenic River. (Order 06-10-26-23-50). Please see the attachment for more information. 

Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50 (a), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the boundaries of the Wild section of the Rogue National Wild and Scenic River within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest shown on Exhibit A. This Order is effective at 12:01 am on August 16, 2023 until November 30, 2023, unless rescinded sooner. This Order supersedes Forest Order 06-10-00-23-46.

PROHIBITIONS:

1.To build, maintain, attend or use a fire, campfire, or stove fire except:

     a. In commercially produced pressurized liquid or gas stoves. Cooking areas are to be naturally free of vegetation below the high water mark from Marial downstream to the mouth of Watson Creek. Each group must have a shovel and bucket. i. [36 CFR § 261.52 (a)]

2.Smoking, except:

      a. While aboard a watercraft while navigating, or at rest, on a waterway. b. On sand and gravel bars between the river and the high water mark naturally free of flammable vegetation. [36 CFR § 261.52 (c)]

Description of River Corridor:

The Wild section of the Rogue Wild and Scenic River beginning at the Forest boundary in the southwest ¼ of the southeast ¼ of Section 9, T.33S., R.10W., following downriver in a southwesterly direction to the mouth of Watson Creek in the northeast ¼ of the northeast ¼ of Section 17, T.34S., R.11W., within the Willamette Meridian, Oregon as shown on map attached as Exhibit A.

EXEMPTIONS:

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:

1. Persons with a Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation Order), specifically exempting them from this Order.

2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of any organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.

Violations of this prohibition is punishable as a Class B Misdemeanor, by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both (16 USC § 551; 18 USC § 3559 and 18USC § 3571 and 3581).

Executed in Medford, OR this 14th day of August 2023.

Yreka, Calif., August 22, 2023— Once again thunderstorms brought lightning and rain in some places to the Klamath National Forest yesterday. Some showers were heavy, and slides continue to occur. Areas of 96 continue to be impacted as well as National Forest System roads. Motorists should drive with caution. Fire behavior was moderated on some fires due to precipitation and higher humidity.

Three fires were reported from yesterday’s lightning. Lookouts remain staffed across the forest and aerial reconnaissance flights continue to occur.

The forest continues to manage fires on all ranger districts:

Happy Camp/Oak Knoll District:

·    A new fire, called the Capitan Fire, is near Capitan Mountain in the Siskiyou Wilderness. Smokejumpers are on scene of this fire, which is reported to be approximately 2 acres.

·    The Berry Fire is .2 acres near Huckleberry Mountain has line around it.

·    The Indy Fire up Independence Creek is near the border of the Marble Mountain Wilderness in the 2021 McCash Fire footprint. It is roughly 1-2 acres and access is difficult. Heli-rappellers are on order.  

·    The Devils Fire is 2.5 acres near Seiad Low Gap and is contained.

·    The Doe Fire, which is 1.5 acres near Doe Peak, is out.

·    The Brown Fire is .1 acres and out.

·    The Dutch Fire is .1 acres and is out.

·    The Intersection Fire is .1 acres and is out.

·    The Titus Fire is in the Marble Mountain Wilderness south of Norcross Campground. It remains at roughly 15 acres with some smoldering at the heel. It is within the 2021 McCash Fire footprint and received significant rain on Tuesday which moderated fire behavior. There are numerous snags, and the fire is in very steep country. It is being monitored by air to evaluate suppression needs.

Salmon/Scott River Ranger District:

·    A new fire, called the Titmouse Fire, was reported yesterday near Titmouse Gulch near Little North Fork Trailhead is .5 acres. Resources on scene working to secure it.

·    Also reported yesterday, the Hog Fire near Hog Ridge north of Forks of Salmon, is .1 acre and contained.

·    The Box Fire, near Box Camp Trailhead is about .5 acre and has line around it.

·    The Picayune Fire near Picayune Lake, east of Forks of Salmon, is roughly 1 acre and has line around it. Resources remain on scene securing the fireline and mopping up.

·    The Whisky Fire was called in as a small ground fire near Whisky Camp and Spirit Lake in the Marble Mountain Wilderness. A helitack crew is on scene.

·    The Grizzly Fire in the Russian Wilderness on Grizzly Peak near Bingham Lake. It is 1.5 acres and contained. Resources remain on scene mopping up.

·    The Clear Fire is in the Marble Mountain Wilderness near Clear Lake. It is roughly .1 acre and is out.

·    The Shadow Fire is 2 acres in the Marble Mountain Wilderness near Sky High Lakes is out.

·    The Boulder Fire is .1 acres near Indian Scotty Campground and is controlled and in patrol status.

·    The Henry Fire near Henry Gulch is .1 acre and is out.

Goosenest Ranger District:

·    A new fire was reported yesterday near Ball Mountain. The Ball Fire is .25 acres, controlled, and in patrol status.

The Klamath National Forest has issued an emergency closure order for two portions of the forest. The purpose of the closure is to provide for public safety in response to ongoing and increased wildfire activity across the forest, including the Happy Camp Complex. The closure prohibits the public from entering portions of the forest in or near the vicinity of ongoing wildfire activity. The closure order also prohibits the use of roads, trails, and developed recreation sites within the closure. Visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/klamath for information on these closures.

Fire restrictions are in place on the Klamath National Forest. Campfires are only permitted in developed campgrounds and designated wilderness areas. Area closures are in place for the Happy Camp Complex, effective today. Full descriptions of restrictions and closures are available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices.

Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect. Monitor CodeRED and the Siskiyou County Sheriff Facebook Page for current information.

Closures: 

Area closures for the Happy Camp Complex are in place southwest of Happy Camp and northwest of Fort Jones.

Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Etna Summit to the Oregon Border. Hikers and all backpackers are asked to stay off the trail in that area.

Dillon Creek Campground is closed due to proximity to the Elliot Creek Fire.

Highway 96 and the Scott River Road have hard closures.

Information on the Happy Camp Complex can be found at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information//caknf-2023-happy-camp-complex-klamath-nf

Information on Klamath National Forest fires that are not part of the Happy Camp Complex can be found here: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/caknf-2023-klamath-national-forest-august-lightning-fires

                                                       *Please obey any evacuation Orders and Warnings that have been issued*

On August 14th, the Rogue River-Siskiyou implemented Stage 3 Public Use Restrictions limiting the use of fire on the National Forest. (Order 06-10-26-23-50). Please see the attachment for more information. 

PUBLIC USE RESTRICTION – STAGE 3 FIRE RESTRICTIONS

Pursuant to 16 USC § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50(a)and (b), and to provide for public safety and protect natural resources, the following acts are prohibited within the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest.  This Order will be effective at 12:01 am on August 16, 2023 at 12:01 am through November 30, 2023, unless rescinded sooner. This order supersedes Forest Order 06-10-00-23-49.

PROHIBITIONS:

     1. To build, maintain, attend, or use a fire except:

          a. When using commercial stoves or campfires fired by liquid fuel or propane are permitted.[36 CFR§ 261.52(a)]

     2. To smoke, except:

          a. Within an enclosed vehicle, building, or designated recreation site.

          b. While aboard a watercraft while navigating or at rest on a waterway. [36 CFR§ 261.52(d)]

     3. Operating an internal combustion engine, except:

          a. On a motor vehicle on Forest Development Roads or within designated parking areas.

          b. Aboard watercraft while navigating or at rest on a waterway.

          c. Generators with approved spark arrestors, in designated recreation sites as listed on Exhibit A through F.

          d. The roads and trails addressed in the "Prospect off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Trail/Road System" (Rogue River Siskiyou Motor Vehicle Use Map). [36 CFR§ 261.52(h)]

     4. Welding or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame. [36 CFR § 261.52(i)]

EXEMPTIONS:

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:

     1. Persons with a Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation Order),specifically exempting them from this Order.

     2. Any Federal, State, or local officer, or member of any organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty.  

This prohibition is in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.

A Violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or both (16USC § 551; 18 USC § 3559 and 18USC § 3571and 3581).

Executed in Medford, OR this 14th day of August 2023. 

Location:  Approximately 3.5 miles east of the north tip of Hayden Lake, along the Hayden Creek Road (Forest Service Road 437) from the Ridge Creek drainage to South Chilco Mountain.

Start Date: 8/3/2023      Cause: Human/Under Investigation    Size: 4,293 acres      Containment: 15%

Total Personnel: 560     Heavy Equipment: 15                        Engines: 23             Crews: 17

Today at 6 a.m. the Southern Area Incident Management Gold Team assumed command of the Ridge Creek Fire under the leadership of Incident Commander Debbie Beard. The Gold Team and the Idaho Panhandle National Forests thank the Eastern Area Incident Management Silver Team, Forest Service employees, cooperators and partners for their support of fire suppression efforts.

Containment and fire size have changed since yesterday due to improved mapping.

The Forest Service has issued an expanded area closure. Please see below for descriptive details as well as a new map.  

FIRE STATUS

Yesterday, firefighters mopped up and held containment lines at the southern end of the fire, as well as along the southwest. They reinforced containment lines by mechanically constructing fuel breaks and burning existing fuels. As these lines become more secure, resources are shifting from the southern end to the east and north. On the east side of the fire, crews constructed indirect line along Forest Service Road 437.  Hand crews will continue building fireline from Forest Service Road 406 at Sage Creek Saddle to the north. This line will tie into the Bunco Road near Trapper Creek. Firefighters also used heavy equipment to improve Forest Service Road 406, giving them better access to the fire. Structure protection continued to assess residences and other buildings in the Bunco Road area for structure protection planning. The night shift continued to patrol and monitor the fire’s perimeter along the west, south and east.

Today, firefighters are taking advantage of the precipitation and increased relative humidity to improve containment lines. Minimal fire activity is expected.

The basecamp in the Hudlow area continues to provide staff with more efficient access to the eastern part of the fire.

Visible smoke from the Ridge Creek Fire is unlikely today.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR

Overnight, most of the Ridge Creek Fire received between 0.1 and 0.25 inch of rain. Today will remain cloudy with scattered showers and thunderstorms. Minimum relative humidity of 66% today will help moderate fire behavior. Little fire activity is expected today. Wednesday will bring drier, breezy, sunny conditions. The extended forecast calls for gradual warming in the area.

Air quality information is available at www.airnow.gov and www.wildlandfiresmoke.net.

EVACUATION STATUS

The Kootenai County Office of Emergency Management evacuation status remains the same for the Bunco (SET or Level 2) and Hayden Lake (READY or Level 1) areas.

More information is available at https://www.kcsheriff.com/186/Emergency-Management.

CLOSURES AND SPECIAL MESSAGES

A 24-hour temporary flight restriction remains in place More information is available at: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_3_3347.html

Aircraft activity will be minimal today due to current weather. Resources are shared among numerous fires within the region, including the Ridge Creek Fire. 

The Coeur d’Alene Dispatch Zone has issued Stage II Fire Restrictions for the Idaho panhandle. Kootenai County remains within the Stage II Fire Restrictions area. 

The Idaho Panhandle National Forest has issued a new Closure Order #01-04-03-23-003 for Forest Service land north of Forest Service Road (FSR) 206, west of FSR 209 and FSR 385, and south of FSR 332; and for Forest Service land surrounding and north of the Yellowbanks Creek area and west of FSR 1535.

The closure includes all Forest Service Roads within the area:

·         FSR 332, 385, 392, 428A, 437, 1507, 1511, 1530, 1552, 1587.

·         FSR 206 north of the junction with FSR 406.

·         FSR 406 north of the junction with FSR 206.

·         Bunco Road/FSR 332 from National Forest boundary on the east to the junction of FSR 385.

·         FSR 385 from junction with Bunco Road/FSR 332 south to the junction of FSR 209 and FSR 794.

The closure includes Forest Services Trails 69, 78, 234, 577, and 802.

The purpose of this Order is for public and firefighter safety due to heavy fire traffic in the area.

Fire Update Smith River Complex A.M. 8/22

Gasquet, Calif., August 22nd, 2023 —The Smith River Complex is approximately 40,000 acres with zero percent containment. Strong northeast winds affected the fire area overnight, but an inversion settled in, dampening fire behavior on most of the complex yesterday morning. Areas of the Kelly fire aligned with Stony Creek (north of Hwy 199) and Craigs Creek (south of Hwy 199) and made significant movement to the southwest growing approximately 2.5 miles in the early morning hours. The west side of the Kelly fire moved into the North Fork Smith Roadless Area.

Today’s weather is expected to remain cooler, like Monday, allowing fire fighters to focus their efforts on structure preparation along the highway 199 corridor.  As the remnants of Hurricane Hillary exit the area, a warming trend will begin to settle in over the next few days. There are currently over 1150 total personnel on scene with many more expected to arrive in the coming days.

On the Smith River Complex North, fire suppression efforts are progressing as resources put in dozer line from Monkey Creek Ridge to Hwy 199. Northwest Incident Management Team 13 is coordinating with local fire departments to create a coordinated structure protection plan in the event of significant fire behavior moving towards residences.  Currently, in the Dwight Creek area, firefighters are conducting structure assessments. In Elk Creek, firefighters are providing structure preparation. 

The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) around the Smith River Complex has been extended to the north, into Oregon. A TFR is established over incidents to provide for the safety of assigned aerial resources. When privately-owned drone incursions occur over the incident, all assigned aerial resources must land which stops the aerial suppression of the fire. These mandatory groundings of aircraft prevent firefighters from using all available resources to engage the fire. Remember, “If you fly, we can’t.”

Evacuations

All evacuation orders are issued by the Del Norte County Sheriff's Office. If you are in the Del Norte County, area please sign up for their Community Alert System to receive emergency notifications. Evacuation levels as of 8:00 am today August 21st are as follows:

Level 3 “Go Now”: Patrick Creek, Little Jones Creek, Copper Creek Drainage, Coon Creek/ 16n19 17n07, Washington Flat, Pioneer Road, Panther Flat Campground Area, all communities between Slant Bridge Road north to the Oregon Border along Highway 199, French Hill Road.

Level 2 “Be Set”: High Divide, Rowdy Creek, Big Flat/Rock Creek

Level 1 “Be Ready”: Low Divide, Hiouchi from Slant Bridge to the east end of North Bank Road

Closures

South Fork Road is open to residents only. Residents must provide proof of residency.

Howland Hill Road (Residents Only)

County road 316, Shelly Creek,

County Road 315 Holiday Mine

County Road 311 Old Gasquet Toll Road

County Road 305 Weimer Road

Forest Service Roads 16N19 and 17N07

U.S. Highway 199 is fully closed in Del Norte County from Slant Bridge Road to Oregon Mountain Road (PM 16 to 31) due to the fires. A hard closure is in place on U.S. 199 at the Agriculture Station near the Oregon border. For the latest road conditions please visit quickmap.dot.ca.gov

Effective Sunday, August 20, 2023, the Six Rivers National Forest has issued a forest-wide closure order. https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/srnf/notices/?cid=FSEPRD1096395

The American Red Cross has opened a shelter at the Del Norte County Fairgrounds (421 US-101 N, Crescent City, CA 95531) for those who are displaced by evacuations. Red Cross disaster workers are partnering with local officials to help ensure evacuees receive necessities, including food, water and shelter.

Please refer to the following social media for additional information:

Smith River Complex Inciweb: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident-information/casrf-smith-river-complex

Facebook: Six River National Forest: https://www.facebook.com/SixRiversNF

                  Del Norte Office of Emergency Services: https://www.facebook.com/DelNorteOfficeOfEmergencyServices

                  Del Norte County Sheriff’s Office: https://www.facebook.com/DelNorteCountySheriffDepartment

                  Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest: https://www.facebook.com/R6RRSNF/

                 Josephine County Emergency Management: https://www.facebook.com/josephinecountyEM

                  Interactive evacuation map: https://rvem.org/

Smith River Complex North update for Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Grants Pass, Ore. – Fire suppression efforts are progressing as Smith River Complex North resources put in dozer line from Monkey Creek Ridge to Hwy 199. Northwest Incident Management Team 13 (NWIMT13) is working with local fire departments to create a coordinated structure protection plan in the event of significant fire behavior moving towards residences.  Currently, in the Dwight Creek area, firefighters are conducting structure protection assessments while in Elk Creek, firefighters are providing structure protection. 

Del Norte County has issued a Level 3 evacuation notice from the Oregon/California border south. Specifics of this closure can be found at https://www.facebook.com/DelNorteOfficeOfEmergencyServices/.

Josephine County has issued a Level 2 evacuation notice along Hwy 199 south of mile post 39 to the California border, and a Level 1 evacuation for the community of O’Brien south of Rough & Ready Creek. For more information and maps, visit the Rogue Valley Emergency Management site at https://www.rvem.org. 

The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest has implemented an area and road closure order for the Smith River Complex. Visit the forest website for additional information https://tinyurl.com/2s4hymku.

The Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) around the Smith River Complex has been extended to the north into Oregon. Resources assigned to the Complex will assist with initial attack on fires within the TFR. Due to significant smoke and limited visibility, air operations are limited. A mobile retardant base has also been ordered. This base will allow aircraft to deliver fire retardant more quickly when and where it is needed to help slow fire spread.

Cooperatively responding agencies include the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, the Oregon Department of Forestry, BLM-Coos Bay District, BLM-Medford District, Josephine County Sheriff’s Office, Josephine County EMS, the Illinois Valley Fire Department and Curry County Sheriff’s Office.

Current Situation:   3-9 Fire: 1,430 acres with 0% containment.      Pilot Fire: 879 acres with 10% containment      Pelllitreau Fire: 3.4 acres with 100% containment.      Sulphur Fire: 26 acres with 95% containment.   20% overall containment for the Complex

People and Equipment: 522 personnel, crews, engines, dozers, water tenders

Crews continued to construct indirect dozer line on the southern perimeter of the 3-9 Fire. Resources will continue to assess Pilot Creek and the road system on the southwestern area of the 3-9 fire area to improve the road system coming up to the Dan East Trail.

Yesterday firefighters looked for opportunities to directly fight the fire on the east side and were still working on a 30-acre slop-over from Sunday night. They’ll continue to improve dozer and handlines up to the fire’s edge. Firefighters will go direct when safe to do so in the Bear Creek area in effort to stop the fire’s progression to the north. Crews will continue to improve dozer line areas in anticipation of any movement that could move east towards Hyampom.

Pilot Fire crews continue to secure and mop up the western and southern portions. The northern portion of the fire cooled down with yesterday’s moisture, allowing dozers to improve current lines. Crews have been successful with the handline around Grouse Creek, on the eastern portion of the fire line. Some challenges on the east side include steep terrain and roll out as firefighters continue to go direct.

Operational plans for today continue to secure and mop up the perimeter of the Pilot Fire and continue to construct direct handline on the northeast side to secure the edges. Dead and standing timber may roll down and leave spot fires. Fuels are wet from yesterday’s rain, but will be drying out over the next several days which could increase fire behavior.

The Pellitreau fire is 100% contained and the Sulfur fire has 95% containment. Crews will continue to mop up the area and monitor and patrol to ensure fire remains within the containment lines. Most equipment has been pulled from these fires to assist the Pilot and 3-9 Fires.

Please note: With Inciweb being unstable throughout the country, a Facebook page has been established for this fire. We are able to update this page more quickly:  (link at the top of the page).

Weather and Fire Behavior: Residual moisture from post-Tropical Cyclone Hilary will continue widely scattered showers and possible thunderstorms this morning. Rain showers will likely end by mid-morning today, clearing to partly sunny this afternoon. A warming and drying trend begins on Wednesday extending into Thursday. The fires did not receive as much precipitation as other communities near the fires.

Community Meeting on Tuesday: A community meeting is being held today, Tuesday, August 22nd at 6:00pm. The meeting will be held at the at the Veteran’s Hall - VFW Post 9546 located at: 9201 CA-3, Hayfork, CA. This meeting will be in-person.

Evacuation Warning: These remain in effect. Please continue to check the Trinity County Wildfire and Evacuation site for up-to-date status and locations: Trinity County Wildfire and Evacuation Map.

Forest Closure: There are new Forest Closure orders for the South Fork Complex Fire that have been posted on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website home page and on the Six Rivers National Forest (click on Forest Closures). Please avoid the closed areas.

August 22, 2023

Size: 855 acres

Containment: 90%

Date Started: August 21, 2023

Cause: Unknown

Structures: There has been confirmation of multiple structures lost at this time. We are still working to determine both overall number and type of structures.

Evacuations: There were voluntary evacuations in place initially but those have been since lifted.

The Cearley Fire started on August 21, 2023, and was responded to by multiple fire departments from Young County initially. Texas A&M Forest Service was requested for assistance at 3:30 p.m. and responded with aviation resources, heavy equipment, and engines from Texas A&M Forest Service and Texas Intrastate Fire Mutual Aid System (TIFMAS). Multiple departments from Young, Wichita, Palo Pinto, and Archer counties worked in Unified command with Texas A&M Forest Service, Young County Sheriff’s Office, and Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM).

Closures: There are no road closures at this time.

Yesterday: Engines from multiple local fire departments were able to slow down fire spread and protect multiple structures while aviation resources from Texas A&M Forest Service worked to lower fire activity using retardant and water from multiple types of air tankers and helicopters. Heavy equipment was able to begin containment line construction once fire activity was diminished and completely lined the entire fire by the end of the night. Engines from local fire departments, Texas A&M Forest Service, and TIFMAS worked around the perimeter of the fire to mop-up any heats they could find working to make sure there was no further fire spread last night.

Today: Resources from Texas A&M Forest Service, TIFMAS, and local fire departments are back on scene again this morning continuing to mop-up the perimeter of the fire. Heavy equipment will be working to clean up and improve some of the containment lines that were constructed last night. Some areas of the fire are still holding significant heat in larger fuels and will need additional work today to ensure no additional spread today.

Weather and Fire Behavior: High temperatures are expected again today along with a dry humidity similar to yesterday. Winds will be out of the East and South today around 10 miles per hour with occasional gusts up to 20 miles per hour this afternoon. All together this creates a conducive environment for additional fire spread and additional new starts across the county. Crews will be standing by from both Texas A&M Forest Service and local fire departments to respond to new fires that may start.

Fire Information

Adam Turner

Public Information Officer, Texas A&M Forest Service

Email: adam.turner@tfs.tamu.edu

Phone: 940-328-9158

Inciweb: https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-information/txtxs-storage-fire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AllHazardsTFS

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AllHazardsTFS