Recent lightning sparks new fires on the Klamath National Forest

Forest Service News Release

Yreka, Calif., September 19, 2023 –The Klamath National Forest received numerous lightning strikes on the 16th and 17th of September, primarily on the western side of the Forest. The Forest quickly mobilized resources to a total of 10 fires. Smokejumpers, engines, heli- rappellers, hotshot crews, dozers, and aircraft responded to these fires. With the increase in fire occurrence, forest fire managers ordered additional resources from outside the area to support these fires.

Confirmed fires are as follows:

• The Grants Fire is near Wild Lake in the Marble Mountain Wilderness and is the largest of the new fires at 30 acres. Resources on scene include aircraft, two hotshot crews, and 17 smokejumpers. This fire has moderate potential for growth. Crews have completed line around the fire and are mopping up today.
• The Meadow Fire located just below the Grant Fire is just over 1/10th of an acre and was called out last night.
• The Deacon Fire east of Sawyers Bar is 1/10th acre and has been called out.
• The Hickey Fire is southeast of Sawyers Bar, 1/10th acre and is out.
• The Uncle Fire is about two miles east of English Peak Lookout in the Marble Mountain Wilderness. Heli-rappellers called the 1/10th-acre fire out this morning.
• The Tanner Fire is one-tenth of an acre located two miles northeast of Sawyers Bar on Tanner Peak. It was called out this morning.
• The East Fire is less than 1/10th-acre up the East Fork of White’s Gulch and is out.
• The Huckle Fire, three miles west of Lake Mountain, is approximately 1⁄4-acre burning in brush with low potential for growth. Hotshot crews are on scene mopping up this fire, which was contained last night.
• The Knownothing Fire located on the Salmon District up the West Fork of Knownothing Creek near the boundary of the Trinity Alps Wilderness. It is less than 1/10th-acres and is controlled. An engine crew remains on scene mopping up.
• The 1.6-acre Horse Fire is contained. It is northeast of Johnny O’Neil Ridge up Horse Creek. The cause of this fire is under investigation.

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

Fire Restrictions:

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. Full descriptions of restrictions and closures are available at: Klamath National Forest – Alerts & Notices (usda.gov)

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