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Klamath National Forest Fire Activity Morning Update – August 18, 2023

by Jay A. Martin Views: 208

Forest Service News Release

Yreka, Calif., August 18, 2023— The Klamath National Forest continues to manage a number of fires on the Happy Camp/Oak Knoll and Salmon/Scott River Ranger Districts: 

Happy Camp/Oak Knoll District:

  • The Den Fire, north of the community of Horse Creek, was reported yesterday evening with rapid rates of spread. It is estimated to be 50 to 100 acres and has line and hose around it. Firefighters from nearby incidents were on scene quickly yesterday and aggressively suppressed the fire.
  • The Titus Fire is in the Marble Mountain Wilderness south of Norcross Campground. It was last reported at 15 acres. It received significant rain on Tuesday which moderated fire behavior. It is within the 2021 McCash Fire footprint with numerous snags in steep country. It will be monitored by air to evaluate suppression needs. 
  • The Berry Fire is .2 acres near Huckleberry Mountain has line around it.
  • The Indy Fire is a small fire up Independence Creek near the border of the Marble Mountain Wilderness in the 2021 McCash Fire footprint.
  • The 5-acre Doe Fire, located near Doe Peak, is controlled and in patrol status. 
  • The Devil Fire is 2.5 acres near Seiad Low Gap and is contained. 
  • The Swillup Fire between Pony Peak and Bear Peak roads is .1 acres and contained.
  • The Brown Fire is .1 acres and contained. 
  • The Dutch Fire is .1 acres and is contained.
  • The Intersection Fire is .1 acres and is contained.

Salmon/Scott River Ranger District: 

  • The Shadow Fire is holding at about 2 acres in the Marble Mountain Wilderness near Sky High Lakes. Firefighters are continuing to work the fire and it is 75% contained. 
  • The Lake Fire is near the Shadow Fire and has grown to roughly 100 acres; Salmon River Hotshots are assigned. It is being managed by a Type 3 Team. 
  • The Block Fire is near Lake Mountain and has been reported as a single tree. Resources are assigned.
  • The Boulder Fire is .1 acres near Indian Scotty Campground and is contained.
  • The Hossick Fire is .1 acres up Hossick Gulch near Scott Bar and is contained.

California Interagency Incident Management Team 5 has taken over management of a number of fires on the Klamath National Forest, including the Elliott, Canyon, Malone, Ufish, Three Creeks, Devil, Block, Head, Townsend, Gold, and Scott fires as part of the Happy Camp Complex.

“We appreciate our forest firefighting resources for their flexibility and resiliency. We are navigating a very dynamic fire environment with constantly shifting priorities,” said Forest Fire Management Officer Mike Appling.

Firefighting resources continue to come to the Klamath National Forest to support existing fires and bolster initial attack resources. Aerial firefighting assets are available but have been largely unable to fly due to smoke inversion conditions. 

Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect. Monitor CodeRED and the @SiskiyouCountySheriff for current information.

Closures: 

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.

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

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Author: Jay A. Martin"Never underestimate the impact of a single voice seeking the truth, sometimes you find the story, sometimes the story finds you...and occasionally, it trips you on the way out the door. - Jay Martin"

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