By
| Rachel Smith Forest Supervisor |
Neighbors;
Last night’s lightning has resulted in an extremely dynamic situation across the forest. As of this writing, firefighters on the Klamath National Forest have located nineteen fires and we are actively looking for additional reported smokes. We are continuing to experience lightning and substantial winds across the forest. We are getting great support from Forest Service neighbors from California and Oregon as well as CAL FIRE Siskiyou Unit, CalOES and local fire departments – it takes all of us!
The most significant activity as of this hour is the Head Fire near the confluence of the Klamath and Scott Rivers. Early this evening, it experienced a weather event resulting in growth to over 1000 acres with extreme fire behavior and a pyro-cumulus building over the fire. Current estimates place the fire at 3000-4000 acres. Evacuation Orders and Warnings have been issued and law enforcement and fire are working to get folks out of the evacuation area. If you are in this area, please get out immediately. There are road closures in effect for Highway 96 and the Scott River Road.
The Happy Camp Division of the Happy Camp/Oak Knoll Ranger District has eight confirmed fires, ranging from 1/10th of an acre to 20 acres. Weather conditions are driving active fire behavior on some fires, notably the Elliott, Malone, and Titus Fires.
-The Elliott Fire north of Dillon Creek Campground near Pony Peak and was last reported at 20 acres. It is burning on both sides of Elliott Creek with a rapid rate of spread. Resources are committed.
– The Malone Fire is also burning actively in steep country with heavy fuels in the Malone Creek drainage off Elk Creek. Resources are committed.
-The Titus Fire is south of Norcross Campground in the Marble Mountain Wilderness. It is approximately 10-15 acres. Jumpers are committed.
| Rachel Smith Forest Supervisor Forest Service Klamath National Forest and Butte Valley National Grassland |
