Klamath National Forest Responds to Growing Shelly Fire

Yreka, Calif., July 3, 2024— A wildfire has broken out on the Klamath National Forest near Shelly Lake and the Pacific Crest Trail in the Marble Wilderness. Initially reported at 10 acres, the Shelly Fire has now grown to an estimated 250 acres. Smoke is visible from the Etna, CA and Fort Jones, CA areas. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

The Forest Service initiated immediate and aggressive attack efforts. Air attack crews were first on the scene, with ground crews deployed shortly after. As the situation has developed, additional resources have been mobilized, including air tankers, helicopters, a lead plane, and smokejumpers.

Chris Christofferson, Acting Forest Supervisor, stated, “Fire officials believe the Shelly Fire will be a long-duration fire, and we have ordered up a complex incident management team due to the fire’s location and the terrain it is burning in.”

A closure order for the section of the Pacific Crest Trail between Etna Summit and Shackleford Trail.

“During this busy Independence holiday, we are asking visitors to be aware of fire crews and equipment in the area,” Christofferson added. “Visitors should also be extra diligent with their campfires and remember that fireworks are never permitted within the forest and campgrounds.”

A fire information hotline has been established at 530-643-0279. For updates, the public is encouraged to visit www.facebook.com/KlamathNF and follow @KlamathNF on Twitter.

The Forest Service continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide further updates as they become available.