Location: Siskiyou County, CA

Size: 60,044 acres

Percent Contained: 30%

Cause: Under Investigation

Vegetation: Timber (Litter and Understory), Tall Grass, and Brush

Number of Personnel Assigned: 2,783

Start Date: Friday July 29, 2022 at 2:15pm

Minimal forward fire progression is expected as the McKinney Fire continues to show patterns of backing alignment. More containment line has been secured around the fire's perimeter as firefighters continue to make headway. Crews tied in their fireline with adjacent crews along the eastern portion of the fire from the south fork of Humbug Creek to Dunn's Gulch, bringing containment to 30% across the fire. Mop-up operations are in effect where containment is established in order to solidify the control along the eastern portion of the fire. Fire crews have successfully established line along the rugged terrain on the western edge of the fire. Fire is backing down towards Mill Creek where the dozer line appears to be holding. Contingency groups are working to secure structures. The northeastern section of the fire, just west of Skunk Creek, holds heavy fuel loads of dry fallen timber and snow brush. This area has potential to pose challenges for firefighters, so fire crews are bolstering resources in that area.

The Smokey Fire, near Beaver Creek, received rapid response from initial attack resources on the McKinney Fire. It has reached 50% containment in just one day. The 34-acre fire has been fully surrounded with handline and hose lays as firefighters continue to monitor and patrol the fire.

DAMAGE ASSESSMENT:

The initial damage assessment for the McKinney Fire is more than 50% complete. The initial report of damaged or destroyed structures is as follows; Of the 274 structures inspected, 134 structures have NOT been damaged, 87 residences are destroyed, 132 total structures destroyed (homes, garages, outbuildings, commercial etc.)

and 4 structures have minor damage.

An interactive structure status map is available at Siskiyou County Office of Emergency Services webpage: https://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/emergencyservices

WEATHER:

As the Klamath in August goes, today will be hot, dry, and mostly sunny. The amount of moisture and instability in the atmosphere allows a chance for thunderstorms to present themselves. Temperatures forecasted to be in the low 100's in lower elevations and high 80's in higher elevations with winds from the west and northwest. Potential for gusts to reach up to 15-20 mph. 

EVACUATIONS:

Multiple Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect. For current updates on evacuations, visit https://www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountySheriff and https://www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountyOES

Additional evacuation information and a map can be found on the Zonehaven site at: https://community.zonehaven.com/   

A new shelter has been established at Karuk Wellness Center at 1403 Kahtishraam, Yreka, CA, 96097.
Highway 96 remains closed through the fire area.

CURRENT FOREST ORDERS:

Fire restrictions are in effect on the Klamath National Forest. For more information, visit

https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices/

A forest closure is now in effect for the McKinney, Yeti, and Alex Fires. Please refer to the links below for specific details:

Closure Info: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1047211.pdf

Closure Map: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1047212.pdf

Pacific Crest Trail Information: https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/closures