On Friday, September 18, the Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office reduced the evacuation order for the Forks of Salmon area to an EVACUATION WARNING.  Residents may return to their homes.

The emergency closure of all National Forests in California remains in effect until Monday, September 21. 

Current Situation: Crews and structure protection remain in Denny and to the northeast in and around Forks of Salmon, where Red Salmon Complex incident managers and USDA Forest Service leadership met with residents Thursday.

“People in Forks of Salmon have active fire to their south and are worried,” said Incident Commander Mike Strawhun. “We have structure protection in the community and crews staffing fireline around the clock. The community and the incident respect that we’re more than fifty days into this complex and everyone is doing their best, even if it’s starting to wear on many of us.”

Suppression resources have been shifted to the southwest corner of the fire to assist the divisions there with line improvement and support burnout operations. Crews continue to utilize recently prepped roads and trails to complete tactical firing operations, as fire is active in Tish Tang Creek and continues backing into Horse Linto Creek.

All National Forests in California are closed. Entry is not permitted. Should the statewide closure not be renewed when it expires September 21st, the area closures on the Klamath, Six Rivers, and Shasta-Trinity National Forests remain until further notice.

Weather: An upper level low will continue to approach the region today. A disturbance moving around this low will lead to increasing clouds and an isolated shower in the afternoon.

Air Quality: Smoke from the Red Salmon Complex will combine with smoke from other fires which could keep parts of the forecast zone in the Unhealthy range, particularly those east and north of the complex.

Area Evacuations: The Siskiyou County Sheriff issued an Evacuation Order for ALL of Forks of Salmon. From Butler Flat to 10 miles east to Forks of Salmon and south to Plummer Creek on Cecilville Rd.

National Forest Closure Areas: The US Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has issued an Emergency Closure Order of all National Forests in Region 5 (California) pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a) and (b), of Regional Order No. 20-13 to provide for public safety and protect natural resources. The Red Salmon Fire Forest Closure Area became effective on August 8, 2020 under Forest Supervisor’s orders on the Klamath, Shasta-Trinity, and Six Rivers National Forests. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. Complete closure information is available on InciWeb for the Red Salmon Complex.

The Red Salmon Complex is burning on the Klamath, Six Rivers, and Shasta-Trinity National Forests within Humboldt, Siskiyou, and Trinity Counties. The Hoopa Valley Tribe is part of the joint delegation of authority with the National Forests. The South Central Sierra Interagency Incident Management Team 14 is managing this incident. Team 14 will continue working closely with the Yurok Tribe, the Karuk Tribe, and community liaisons.

Current Situation: Though infrared flights show the Red Salmon Complex growing past 100,000 acres, the gain is largely due to burnout operations in the southwest and northeast corners of the fire.

“We’re not letting down our guard,” said Deputy Incident Commander Steve Watkins, “but we’re in a good place. We’re accomplishing our goal of protecting the Hoopa Valley Reservation, Forks of Salmon, and other communities around the complex. We’re getting later in the fire season and hopeful the weather brings relief.”

Fireline on the west flank of the complex is in patrol and mop up status. Crews and equipment have been shifted to the southwest of the complex to secure containment around the corner and east.

Crews and structure protection remain in Denny and to the northeast in and around Forks of Salmon.

A number of hunters on their way to set up camp before the start of the season have been turned away at road closures and other locations. All National Forests in California are closed. Entry is not permitted. Should the statewide closure not be renewed when it expires September 21st, the area closures on the Klamath, Six Rivers, and Shasta-Trinity National Forests remain until further notice.

Weather: An upper level low will continue to approach the region today. A disturbance moving around this low will lead to increasing clouds and an isolated shower in the afternoon, as onshore flow from the Pacific continues leading to cooler temperatures and higher relative humidity today

Air Quality: Air quality is likely to improve, however, Red Salmon Complex smoke will combine with smoke from other fires in the area which could keep parts of the forecast zone in the Unhealthy range.

Area Evacuations: The Siskiyou County Sheriff issued an Evacuation Order for ALL of Forks of Salmon. From Butler Flat to 10 miles east to Forks of Salmon and south to Plummer Creek on Cecilville Rd.

National Forest Closure Areas: The US Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has issued an Emergency Closure Order of all National Forests in Region 5 (California) pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a) and (b), of Regional Order No. 20-13 to provide for public safety and protect natural resources. The Red Salmon Fire Forest Closure Area became effective on August 8, 2020 under Forest Supervisor’s orders on the Klamath, Shasta-Trinity, and Six Rivers National Forests. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. Complete closure information is available on InciWeb for the Red Salmon Complex.

The Red Salmon Complex is burning on the Klamath, Six Rivers, and Shasta-Trinity National Forests within Humboldt, Siskiyou, and Trinity Counties. The Hoopa Valley Tribe is part of the joint delegation of authority with the National Forests. The South Central Sierra Interagency Incident Management Team 14 is managing this incident. Team 14 will continue working closely with the Yurok Tribe, the Karuk Tribe, and community liaisons.

Current Situation: Tactical burnout operations will continue today on the Red Salmon Complex. Dozer line along Hostler Ridge to Tish Tang Ridge will serve as the primary line for tactical firing operations to keep fire east of the 10N02 road and Hoopa Reservation boundary. As containment on the west flank of the complex progresses toward completion, attention will focus on extending and improving fireline moving east to protect Willow Creek, Salyer, and other communities along Hwy 299.

Crews and structure protection remain in Denny and to the northeast in and around Forks of Salmon.  Containment lines will be repositioned and defensive burnout planned to contain active fire that is working its way toward the confluence of East Fork Knownothing Creek and West Fork Knownothing Creek. The goal is to prevent fire spread north toward Salmon River Road (Hwy 93).

Hunters and other visitors should be aware the closure of all National Forests in California has been extended until September 21st. Entry is not permitted. Should the statewide closure expire, the area closures on the Klamath, Six Rivers, and Shasta-Trinity National Forests remain until further notice.

Weather: Expect smoke near the surface and in valleys. An upper level low will begin to approach the region. Disturbances will move around this low through Thursday, with gusty ridgetop winds at times.

Air Quality: Air quality is likely to improve today and tomorrow, However, smoke from the Red Salmon Complex will combine with smoke from other fires in the area which could keep some areas in the Unhealthy range, depending on proximity to the fires.

Area Evacuations: The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office has issued an Evacuation Order for ALL of Forks of Salmon. From Butler Flat to 10 miles east to Forks of Salmon and south to Plummer Creek on Cecilville Rd.

National Forest Closure Areas: The US Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has issued an Emergency Closure Order of all National Forests in Region 5 (California) pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a) and (b), of Regional Order No. 20-13 to provide for public safety and protect natural resources. The Red Salmon Fire Forest Closure Area became effective on August 8, 2020 under Forest Supervisor’s orders on the Klamath, Shasta-Trinity, and Six Rivers National Forests. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. Complete closure information is available on InciWeb for the Red Salmon Complex.

For up to date fire information on the Red Salmon Complex and other fires visit https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/ or use the QR code to view the links with your mobile device.

We would like to remind the public that there are Emergency Closure Orders in place for all National Forests in Region 5 (California). The closures have been extended through Monday, September 21, 2020 to provide for public safety and the protection of natural resources, pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a) and (b), of Regional Order Numbers 20-11, 20-12, 20-13. We understand this greatly impacts hunting season, which opens Saturday, September 19, 2020. We ask that you please abide by the orders in place for the safety of the public and the firefighters who are out working in the area.

Current Situation: Fire continues to spot in the northeast portion of the Red Salmon Complex. The source is active fire in the drainages of Knownothing Creek and Poverty Gulch Creek. Crews have hoselays, sprinklers, and other structure protection measures in place. Containment efforts are focused on preventing fire spread north toward Salmon River Road (Hwy 93).

In the southwest corner of the complex, 1,000 to 1,500 feet of line remains to be tied in with established, burned-off line on the western flank of the fire. Dozer line along Hostler Ridge to Tish Tang Ridge will serve as the primary line for tactical firing operations to contain the fire east of the Hoopa Reservation boundary.

Hunters, visitors, and others should be aware the closure of all National Forests in California has been extended until September 21st. Entry is not permitted. Should the statewide closure expire, the area closures on the Klamath, Six Rivers, and Shasta-Trinity National Forests remain in effect until further notice.

Weather: Clearer air is anticipated today, though areas of smoke will remain across the area, particularly in valleys. Temperatures in the 70s to low 80s are expected, with humidity similar to Monday.

Air Quality: Smoke from the Red Salmon Complex will combine with smoke from other fires in the area which could keep the levels in the Unhealthy to Hazardous AQI range, depending on proximity to the fires.

Area Evacuations: The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office has issued an Evacuation Order for ALL of Forks of Salmon. From Butler Flat to 10 miles east to Forks of Salmon and south to Plummer Creek on Cecilville Rd.

National Forest Closure Areas: The US Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has issued an Emergency Closure Order of all National Forests in Region 5 (California) pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a) and (b), of Regional Order No. 20-13 to provide for public safety and protect natural resources. The Red Salmon Fire Forest Closure Area became effective on August 8, 2020 under Forest Supervisor’s orders on the Klamath, Shasta-Trinity, and Six Rivers National Forests. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. Complete closure information is available on InciWeb for the Red Salmon Complex.

Current Situation: A spot fire Sunday in the northeast portion of the Red Salmon Complex required crews to reposition and prompted an evacuation order for Forks of Salmon. Ash and embers were rising from a spot fire on the north side of Knownothing Creek. Personnel could hear fire below but not see it through the blanket of smoke over the complex. The spot remains a threat and crews will adjust lines and conduct burnout operations to slow the fire’s progression and prevent it from spreading further north.

The steady progress of the last few days continued yesterday on the west and south flanks of the fire. Backing fire from burnout operations has added 600 to 1,000 feet of depth downslope of control lines. Wind conditions prevented burnout operations overnight, though mop up and patrol were accomplished. Tactical firing operations are planned in the southwest today, extending efforts to prevent fire spread toward the Hoopa Reservation, Willow Creek, and communities along Hwy 299.

Additional lines continue to be built and scouted, while community and structure protection in and around Denny and Forks of Salmon remains in place. Areas on the fire’s east flank and away from communities remain unstaffed due to remoteness and resource limitations.

Weather: Areas of smoke will blanket the fire today. Winds should remain terrain driven at lower elevations, with southerly gusts at times on ridges and in aligned drainages.

Air Quality: Smoke from the Red Salmon Complex will combine with other fires in the area which could keep the levels in the Very Unhealthy and Hazardous AQI range, depending on proximity to the fires.

Area Evacuations: The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office lifted the Evacuation Warning for Denny.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office has issued an Evacuation Order for ALL of Forks of Salmon. From Butler Flat to 10 miles east to Forks of Salmon and south to Plummer Creek on Cecilville Rd.

National Forest Closure Areas: The US Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has issued an Emergency Closure Order of all National Forests in Region 5 (California) pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a) and (b), of Regional Order No. 20-10 to provide for public safety and protect natural resources. The Red Salmon Fire Forest Closure Area became effective on August 8, 2020 under Forest Supervisor’s orders on the Klamath, Shasta-Trinity, and Six Rivers National Forests. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. Complete closure information is available on InciWeb for the Red Salmon Complex.

Red Salmon Complex

EVACUATION ORDER

Sunday, September 13, 2020

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office has issued the following Evacuation Order:

There is an EVACUATION ORDER now in effect for the Red Salmon Complex.

The EVACUATION ORDER will be for ALL of Forks of Salmon.

From Butler Flat to 10 miles east to Forks of Salmon and south to Plummer Creek on Cecilville Rd.

Current Situation: Multiple small victories have been recorded by fire crews in the last several days. Night shift operations, coupled with cooperative daytime weather, have allowed significant progress to be made on tactical burnout operations along the fire’s west flank. The completed work has strengthened fireline off the 10N02 road. The line adds protection to the Hoopa Reservation and additional firing operations moving southward will further protect Willow Creek, Salyer, and other communities.

Community and structure protection to the south of the fire in Denny and northeast in Forks of Salmon has included brush clearing, hose and sprinkler lays, and outreach. A public meeting was held Saturday in Forks of Salmon to help residents best understand conditions in their area.

Additional fireline is being constructed or scouted elsewhere on the complex. Dozer-line was completed Saturday from Hwy 93 to Hotelling Ridge. Areas on the fire’s east flank and away from communities remain unstaffed due to remoteness and resource limitations.

Weather: Terrain driven winds anticipated at lower elevations, with gusty winds near and just above the higher ridges. Temperatures will be in the 70s.

Air Quality: Smoke from the Red Salmon Complex will combine with other fires in the area which could keep the levels in the Very Unhealthy and Hazardous AQI range, depending on proximity to the fires.

Area Evacuations: The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office lifted the Evacuation Warning for Denny.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office has issued an Evacuation Warning for the Red Salmon Complex fire. WARNING WILL BE ALL OF FORKS OF SALMON. FROM BUTLER FLAT TO TEN MILES EAST OF FORKS OF SALMON AND SOUTH TO PLUMMER CREEK ON CECILVILLE ROAD.

National Forest Closure Areas: The US Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has issued an Emergency Closure Order of all National Forests in Region 5 (California) pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a) and (b), of Regional Order No. 20-10 to provide for public safety and protect natural resources. The Red Salmon Fire Forest Closure Area became effective on August 8, 2020 under Forest Supervisor’s orders on the Klamath, Shasta-Trinity, and Six Rivers National Forests. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. Complete closure information is available on InciWeb for the Red Salmon Complex.

Current Situation: Fire crews made significant progress across the fire on community and property protection efforts on September 11th. Burnout operations widened and strengthened firelines on the western flank, adding critical protection to homes and residents of the Hoopa Valley wildland-urban interface. Overnight operations completed line construction on the west side along the 10N92 Road. Structure assessment and protection measures were provided in Forks of Salmon and Denny to reduce potential fire impact.

Today’s staffing and operational priorities will be to contain the fire west and northwest from the 10N02 road to the Hoopa Reservation boundary, including continuation of firing operations if weather conditions are favorable. To the northeast, containment lines will be repositioned to prevent fire spread north toward Hwy 93 and Forks of Salmon. Crews will continue to construct indirect fireline, prepare for additional burnout operations, and provide direct attack where safe to do so.

The fire is actively backing in Tish Tang Creek, forming alignment for potential future runs impacting cultural and resource values in the area. Fire behavior predictions suggest that once the inversion lifts today, there is the potential for fire spread in all directions.

Weather:  Widespread smoke will likely cause cooler conditions and poor visibility, though the trend should improve through the week. Light and variable winds in the valleys and mid-slopes will persist into the mid-afternoon before becoming west-northwest at 2- to 8 mph.

Air Quality: Heavy smoke from the Red Salmon Complex will combine with smoke from other fires in the area and affect the entire forecast zone.

Area Evacuations: The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office has lifted the Evacuation Warning as of 8 a.m. today for the community of Denny.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office has issued an Evacuation Warning for the Red Salmon Complex fire. WARNING WILL BE ALL OF FORKS OF SALMON. FROM BUTLER FLAT TO TEN MILES EAST OF FORKS OF SALMON AND SOUTH TO PLUMMER CREEK ON CECILVILLE ROAD.

National Forest Closure Areas:  The US Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region has issued an Emergency  Closure Order of all National Forests in Region 5 (California) pursuant to 16 U.S.C. 551 and 36 C.F.R. 261.50(a) and (b), of Regional Order No. 20-10 to provide for public safety and protect natural resources. The Red Salmon Fire Forest Closure Area became effective on August 8, 2020 under Forest Supervisor’s orders on the Klamath, Shasta-Trinity, and Six Rivers National Forests. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. Complete closure information is available on InciWeb for the Red Salmon Complex.