Red Salmon Complex 8.28.2020 AM Update

Red Salmon Complex: 21,980 acres at 42% containment (Red Fire – 21,173 acres at 42% containment, Salmon Fire - 807 acres at 79% containment)

Fire Resources: 819 personnel, 10 crews, 7 helicopters, 23 engines, 5 bulldozers, 34 water tenders

Current Situation: Firing operations were successful overnight in the Horn Creek Gap area, helping to secure the line in the northeast corner of the Red Salmon Complex.  Crews also made progress constructing fireline on the southwest portion of the fire overnight.  An increase in fire activity is expected today due to warming and drying conditions with potential for spotting and minor upslope runs.  Aviation resources will assist with water drops on hotspots along ridgelines as needed.  Crews will continue firing today as conditions allow to secure the line. 

Fire
Hotter and drier weather is expected to increase fire activity inside containment lines along the south and east portions of the fire. Detailed information at: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891

Smoke
Smoke from the Red Salmon Complex and other fires in the region will continue to linger over valleys and basins today. This morning, most communities are seeing Good to Moderate air quality in the forecast area. The exception is Forks of Salmon; where Unhealthy conditions are expected to persist due to closer proximity to the fire. Otherwise, daytime warming is expected to mix higher level smoke down to the surface and degrade air quality for the midday and evening hours. Orleans, Weitchpec, and Hoopa Valley may experience periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (USG) along with Etna and the Scott Valley area. The Shasta Valley, Yreka and Weed may also experience periods of USG late in the day. High level haze will likely be visible along the Oregon/California border and the North Coast, yet air quality is forecast to remain Good at the surface

Red Salmon Complex: 21,584 acres at 42% containment (Red Fire – 20,777 acres at 42% containment, Salmon Fire - 807 acres at 79% containment)

Fire Resources: 897 personnel, 12 crews, 7 helicopters, 21 engines, 5 bulldozers, 40 water tenders

Great Basin Incident Management Team 5 took command of the Red Salmon Complex at 6 p.m. Wednesday night.

Current Situation: Yesterday crews corralled two spot fires that crossed control lines on the east side of the Nordheimer drainage. Wind conditions did not allow for firing operations Wednesday afternoon on the eastern edge of the fire. Night crews continued containment actions with mop up of the spots that added over a hundred acres to the fire area near Horn Creek Gap. Favorable east winds allowed for firing on the southern portion of High Point Ridge overnight, and will continue today as long as conditions allow.  A structure protection group has been formed and will scout and identify protection needs in Forks of Salmon.

Red Fire: Crews are maintaining the footprint of the Red Cap section in the northwest area of the fire, crews will continue to monitor, patrol and mop-up hot spots. The strategic firing operation along High Point Ridge will continue as conditions permit. From Soldier Trail up Devils Backbone crews are cutting indirect line, eventually meeting up with crews from the northern end of Devils Backbone working their way south. The contingency lines on Hotelling Ridge on the east side of the fire are complete, firefighters continue to improve contingency lines on Hopkins Ridge to the west.

Salmon Fire: This fire remains within its current footprint. Islands of vegetation inside this area, will continue to burn. These are not threatening containment lines. 

The Red and Salmon Fires are burning on the Klamath, Six Rivers, and Shasta-Trinity National Forests.  Great Basin Incident Management Team 5 is working closely with the Hoopa Valley Tribe, the Yurok Tribe and Karuk Tribe and local community liaisons.

Weather: High pressure is bringing a warming and drying trend. Temperatures will range from 91-95 degrees below 4000 ft. and 80-84 degrees above 4000 ft.  Drier conditions are expected with relative humidity at 25%. Winds will push upslope and west at 4-7 mph with gusts to 12 mph. Good ventilation may elevate fire activity over the next few days, increasing spotting potential.

Air Quality: Smoke will continue to be produced as islands of unburned vegetation are consumed within fire control lines; other fires within the state are adding to local & current smoke amounts. Refer to fires.airfire.org/outlooks/NWCalifornia

Photos/Videos: Photos and videos of the incident are posted on Inciweb. inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891

Closures: The Red Salmon Fire Forest Closure became effective on August 8, 2020. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. The full Forest Closure Order can be found on Inciweb. inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891.

COVID-19: Great Basin Incident Management Team 5 is continuing precautionary practices to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in both fire camp and the surrounding communities. These measures include daily temperature screenings, mandatory use of face coverings, social distancing, implementing more virtual work, and smaller fire camps. Community and firefighter safety are a top priority of both Team 5 and the National Forests.

Fire

Fire activity is expected to remain moderate to active inside the containment lines along the south and east portions of the fire. Detailed information at: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891

Smoke

The forecast area should generally see less smoke from fires to the south today. Starting in the early afternoon, northwest/west winds will generally transport smoke from the Red Salmon Complex to the east. Etna and the Scott Valley can expect some smoke late in the day and overnight hours as smoke settles into the valley. Residents in Forks of Salmon can expect smoke throughout the day. Those in Orleans, Weitchpec, and Hoopa Valley may experience periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups as smoke mixes down to the surface in the late morning through the early evening, with conditions improving overnight. Yreka, Weed, and the Shasta Valley can expect some improvement today; however, smoke impacts from the combined fires will continue. Residents in Ashland, OR will likely experience low levels of smoke today. Coastal communities will see generally Good air quality with potential overnight impact from offshore flow.

Fire

Fire activity is expected to remain moderate to active inside the containment lines along the south and east portions of the fire. Detailed information at: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891

Smoke

Air quality in the Sacramento Valley has improved slightly; however, that smoke will continue to track north into the forecast area today. Starting in the early afternoon, west/southwest winds will generally transport smoke from the Red Salmon Complex to the east/northeast. Etna and the Scott Valley can expect heavier smoke late in the day and overnight hours as smoke from combined fires settles into the valley. Residents in Forks of Salmon can expect smoke throughout the day. Those in Orleans, Weitchpec, and Hoopa Valley may experience periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups as smoke mixes down to the surface in the late morning through the early evening, with conditions improving overnight. Yreka, Weed, and the Shasta Valley can expect continued heavier smoke impacts throughout the day. Residents in Ashland, OR will likely experience Moderate levels of smoke today. Coastal communities will see generally Good air quality with potential overnight impact from offshore flow.

Red Salmon Complex: 20,559 acres at 42% containment (Red Fire – 19,752 acres at 42% containment, Salmon Fire - 807 acres at 79% containment)

Fire Resources: 924 personnel, 14 crews, 7 helicopters, 22 engines, 5 bulldozers, 40 water tenders

Current Situation: Crews continued to hold and monitor spotting in the 2013 Butler Burn scar near Horn Creek Gap area, which tends to be a buffer, however, flammable timber stringers in the vicinity, remain a concern. By end of shift crews were able to box in a 100-acre spot fire near the 40 road. Weather permitting crews will continue firing on the southern portion of High Point Ridge. The prep work already completed on the southern portion of High Point Ridge will provide good access to the tactical burn operation, as firing conditions improve.  The California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 will be transferring command over to the Great Basin Incident Management Team 5 at 6 p.m. tonight.

The virtual townhall meeting that was streamed Aug. 25 is posted on the Red Salmon Complex Facebook page.  YOU DO NOT NEED A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT TO WATCH.  Please click on this link: https://www.facebook.com/106757614477383/videos/3855799491102002/

Red Fire: Crews are maintaining the footprint of the Red Cap section in the northwest area of the fire, crews will continue to monitor, patrol and mop-up hot spots. The strategic firing operation along High Point Ridge will continue as conditions permit. From Soldier Trail up Devils Backbone crews are cutting indirect line, eventually meeting up with crews from the northern end of Devils Backbone working their way south.  The contingency lines on Hoteling Ridge on the east side of the fire is complete, crews continue to improve contingency lines on Hopkins Ridge to the west.

Salmon Fire: This fire remains within its current footprint. Islands of vegetation inside this area, will continue to burn. These are not threatening containment lines. 

The Red and Salmon Fires are burning on the Klamath, Six Rivers, and Shasta-Trinity National Forests.  California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 is working closely with the Hoopa Valley Tribe, the Yurok and Karuk Tribes and local community liaisons.

Weather: Today, storm clouds may form during the afternoon into evening hours. Temperatures will range from 91-96 degrees mid slope and 81-85 degrees on the upper slopes. Drier conditions are expected with relative humidity at 25-30% below 4,000 feet and 22-27% above. Winds will push east at 2-4 mph until around 12 p.m. then shift west at 4-6 mph with gust to 12 mph.

Air Quality: Smoke will continue as islands of fuel are consumed within fire control lines; other fires within the state are adding to local & current smoke amounts. Refer to fires.airfire.org/outlooks/NWCalifornia

Closures: The Red Salmon Fire Forest Closure became effective on August 8, 2020. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. The full Forest Closure Order can be found on Inciweb. inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891

COVID-19: California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 has implemented precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in both fire camp and the surrounding communities. These measures include daily temperature screenings, mandatory use of face coverings, social distancing, implementing more virtual work, and smaller fire camps. Community and firefighter safety are a top priority of both Team 4 and the National Forests.

Red Salmon Complex: 20,559 acres at 42% containment (Red Fire – 19,752 acres at 42% containment, Salmon Fire - 807 acres at 79% containment)

Fire Resources: 924 personnel, 14 crews, 7 helicopters, 22 engines, 5 bulldozers, 40 water tenders

Red Fire: Crews are maintaining the footprint of the Red Cap section in the northwest area of the fire, crews will continue to monitor, patrol and mop-up hot spots. The strategic firing operation along High Point Ridge will continue as conditions permit. From Soldier Trail up Devils Backbone crews are cutting indirect line, eventually meeting up with crews from the northern end of Devils Backbone working their way south.  The contingency lines on Hoteling Ridge on the east side of the fire is complete, crews continue to improve contingency lines on Hopkins Ridge to the west.

Salmon Fire: This fire remains within its current footprint. Islands of vegetation inside this area, will continue to burn. These are not threatening containment lines. 

The Red and Salmon Fires are burning on the Klamath, Six Rivers, and Shasta-Trinity National Forests.  California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 is working closely with the Hoopa Valley Tribe, the Yurok and Karuk Tribes and local community liaisons.

Weather: Tonight, partly cloudy with smokey conditions. Temperatures will range from 60-65 degrees mid slope and 64-69 degrees on the upper slopes. Drier conditions are expected with relative humidity at 40-55% mid slope and 40-50% on the ridges. Winds will be from the southwest until around 10 p.m. then shifting easterly at 4-6 mph.

Air Quality: Smoke will continue as islands of fuel are consumed within fire control lines; other fires within the state are adding to local & current smoke amounts. Refer to fires.airfire.org/outlooks/NWCalifornia

Closures: The Red Salmon Fire Forest Closure became effective on August 8, 2020. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. The full Forest Closure Order can be found on Inciweb. inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891

COVID-19: California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 has implemented precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in both fire camp and the surrounding communities. These measures include daily temperature screenings, mandatory use of face coverings, social distancing, implementing more virtual work, and smaller fire camps. Community and firefighter safety are a top priority of both Team 4 and the National Forests.

Fire

Fire activity is expected to remain moderate to active inside the containment lines along the south and east portions of the fire. Detailed information at: inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891

Smoke

Fires in the south will continue to send smoke north today. Starting in the early afternoon, west/southwest winds will generally transport smoke from the Red Salmon Complex to the east/northeast. Etna and the Scott Valley can expect heavier smoke throughout the day and overnight hours as smoke from combined fires settles into the valley. Residents in Forks of Salmon can expect smoke throughout the day. Those in Orleans, Weitchpec, and Hoopa Valley may experience periods of Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups as smoke mixes down to the surface in the late morning through the early evening, with conditions improving overnight. Yreka, Weed, and the Shasta Valley can expect continued heavy smoke impacts throughout the day. Also, residents in Ashland, OR will likely continue to experience smoke today. Onshore winds should maintain Good air quality in Eureka and other north coast communities.

Red Salmon Complex: 19,839 acres at 41% containment (Red Fire – 19,032 acres at 41% containment, Salmon Fire - 807 acres at 79% containment)

Fire Resources: 915 personnel, 15 crews, 7 helicopters, 25 engines, 5 bulldozers, 41 water tenders

Current Situation: Last night, no significant fire growth was observed. An infrared flight showed increased heat signature near to Nordheimer Creek, this does not affect current containment lines. Fire activity remained quiet. The Red Flag warning from yesterday has been lifted, no thunderstorm activity is expected today. We are in the process of transferring command over to the Great Basin Incident Management Team 5 tomorrow.

You are invited to the Red Salmon Complex Virtual Community Meeting, today, August 25, 2020 @ 5:00 pm, live streamed via the Red Salmon Complex Facebook page. Visit https://www.facebook.com/Red-Salmon-Complex-106757614477383/

Red Fire: The number one priority remains in maintaining the footprint of the Red Cap section in the northwest area of the fire, crews will continue to monitor, patrol and mop-up hot spots. The second priority is to continue with the strategic firing operation along High Point Ridge. Today’s firing objectives include keeping the Red and Salmon Fires east of Packsaddle Ridge, west of High Point Ridge, north of the Soldier Creek Trail and south of Lunch Creek to Salmon Summit Trail to Red Cap Peak. The contingency lines on Hoteling Ridge on the east side of the fire is complete, crews will continue to improve contingency lines on Hopkins to the west.

Salmon Fire: This fire remains within its current footprint. Islands of vegetation inside this area, will continue to burn. These are not threatening containment lines. 

The Red and Salmon Fires are burning on the Klamath, Six Rivers, and Shasta-Trinity National Forests.  California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 is working closely with the Hoopa Valley Tribe, the Yurok and Karuk Tribes and local community liaisons.

Weather: Temperatures across the fire area will vary, below 4,000 feet: 82-86 degrees, above 4,000 feet 77-81 degrees. Relative humidity values continue to be challenging at all levels as pockets of dry air migrate around the fire’s footprint. Winds from the east this morning will shift westerly this afternoon, remaining light.

Air Quality: Smoke, including smoke from neighboring fires, will continue to become more prominent each day around Highway 96 due to southerly winds.  Refer to fires.airfire.org/outlooks/NWCalifornia

Closures: The Red Salmon Fire Forest Closure became effective on August 8, 2020. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. The full Forest Closure Order can be found on Inciweb. inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891

COVID-19: California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 has implemented precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in both fire camp and the surrounding communities. These measures include daily temperature screenings, mandatory use of face coverings, social distancing, implementing more virtual work, and smaller fire camps. Community and firefighter safety are a top priority of both Team 4 and the National Forests.

Red Salmon Complex: 19,839 acres at 41% containment (Red Fire – 19,032 acres at 41% containment, Salmon Fire - 807 acres at 79% containment)

Fire Resources: 915 personnel, 15 crews, 9 helicopters, 25 engines, 5 bulldozers, 41 water tenders

Current Situation: Today, adverse wind conditions impeded tactical firing operation along High Point Ridge. Along the southwestern edge, crews were successful in firing up to a mile at the intersect of Pack Saddle Ridge and Horse Trail, keeping fire even with the advancing southern edge of the fire. The Red Flag warning remains in effect for tonight with the potential for dry lightning and thunderstorms. 

You are invited to the Red Salmon Complex Virtual Community Meeting, Tuesday, August 25, 2020 @ 5:00 pm, live streamed via the Red Salmon Complex Facebook page. Visit https://www.facebook.com/Red-Salmon-Complex-106757614477383/

Red Fire: The number one priority on the fire remains maintaining the footprint of the Red Cap section in the northwest area of the fire, crews will continue to monitor, patrol and mop-up hot spots. Lines are holding and maintaining their current footprint from Salmon Summit Trail to South Fork of Red Cap and from Mill Creek Gap to Blacks Lakes. The contingency lines on Hoteling Ridge on the east side of the fire is complete, crews continue to improve contingency lines on Hopkins to the west.

Salmon Fire: This fire remains within its current footprint. Islands of vegetation inside this area, will continue to burn. These are not threatening containment lines. 

The Red and Salmon Fires are burning on the Klamath, Six Rivers, and Shasta-Trinity National Forests.  California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 is working closely with the Hoopa Valley Tribe, the Yurok and Karuk Tribes and the Community Liaison for Forks of Salmon.

Weather: A red flag warning remains in effect tonight, with the threat of possible isolated thunderstorms. Temperatures across the fire area will range from the mid to upper 60’s. Relative humidity’s are predicted to be 25-35% below 4,000 feet and 20-25% above 4,000 ft. Winds will be west and south at 3-5 mph until 10 p.m.  then moving east to northeast 4-6 mph with gusts to 10 mph through morning. 

Air Quality: Smoke, including smoke from neighboring fires, will continue to become more prominent each day around Highway 96 due to southerly winds.  Refer to fires.airfire.org/outlooks/NWCalifornia.

Closures: The Red Salmon Fire Forest Closure became effective on August 8, 2020. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. The full Forest Closure Order can be found on Inciweb. inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891

COVID-19: California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 has implemented precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in both fire camp and the surrounding communities. These measures include daily temperature screenings, mandatory use of face coverings, social distancing, implementing more virtual work, and smaller fire camps. Community and firefighter safety are a top priority of both Team 4 and the National Forests.