The Meadow Creek Fire is 45 percent contained and is 4,321 acres in size based on more accurate infrared mapping.

The rise in containment is due, in part, to the excellent work done by firefighters in the first 48 hours of the fire before Great Basin Team 3 arrived. Some of these firefighters are local volunteers, who are being released to return to their regular jobs. Their efforts helped put their fellow firefighters in a strong position as they continue working to fully suppress the Meadow Creek Fire.

A cold front moved into the area overnight as expected, bringing rain showers. These showers are forecast to continue this morning, then taper off in the afternoon. Temperatures are only expected to rise into the 50s in the fire area today. Relative humidity should remain high throughout the day, further moderating fire behavior.

Firefighters plan to take advantage of today’s cooler, wetter weather to build containment lines around the fire. They will also secure existing containment lines, looking for and extinguishing hot spots to prevent the fire's spread. In some areas, suppression repair is already underway to mitigate the impact of firefighting efforts.

Resources Assigned: Eight crews, four helicopters, 15 engines, two dozers, and seven water tenders. A total of 296 personnel are assigned to the fire.

Closures: An area closure in effect as of Sept. 9, 2019, on the Meadow Creek Fire and will remain in effect until Oct. 1, 2019, unless rescinded earlier. This order was issued by the Fishlake National Forest Supervisor Mike T. Elson for the general protection and welfare of public health and safety.

This closure order is from Sand Rock Ridge road South to Meadow Creek. It includes the following: Forest Road 103 (Sand Rock Ridge Road); Forest Road 386 (Sand Rock Ridge Road); Forest Roads 383, 501 and 852; and Trails 032 and 322.

All those entering Forest areas of the Fillmore Ranger District should contact the USFS Fillmore office at 435-896-1010 to ensure areas of interest are not subject to changing fire conditions.

A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place to provide a safe environment for firefighting. Information about the TFR can be found here: https://tfr.faa.gov/save_pages/detail_9_7115.html.

Fire Information: 208-995-9532 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.)

Inciweb address: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6587/

Start Date: Sept. 8, 2019
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Timber, forest litter, grass & shrubs

Acres: 4,154
Percent Contained: 20%

Current Situation: At 6 a.m. this morning, Great Basin Incident Management Team #3 took over after the great work that the Central Utah Type 3 Team did and assumed command of the Meadow Creek Fire.

Weather predictions call for increasingly gusty winds in advance of an approaching storm system. Humidity will be on the rise into possibly the 20-percent range, which should aid firefighting operations. A 40 percent chance of wetting rains is possible Tuesday evening, along with significantly cooler temperatures into Wednesday.

The smoke and fires most visible on Monday were mainly due to interior islands of fuels torching. These islands are areas within the fire perimeter that are typically bypassed or missed by the fire initially, for whatever reason, but later ignite when conditions are conducive to do so. Last night there was minimal fire activity. What little rain fell in Fillmore overnight did not reach the ground within the fire area.

Resources:

Resources assigned to the fire are 6 crews, 5 helicopters, 15 engines, 2 dozers, and 6 water tenders. A total of 209 personnel are assigned to the fire, including local resources.

Closures:

An area closure in effect as of Sept. 9, 2019, on the Meadow Creek Fire and will remain in effect until Oct. 1, 2019, unless rescinded earlier. This order was issued by the Fishlake National Forest Supervisor Mike T. Elson for the general protection and welfare of public health and safety.

This closure order is from Sand Rock Ridge road South to Meadow Creek. It includes the following:

Forest Road 103 (Sand Rock Ridge Road)

Trail 032

Forest Road 386 (Sand Rock Ridge Road)

Trail 322

Forest Road 383

Forest Road 501

Forest Road 852

Note: Hunters have begun scouting game areas leading up to the 2019 hunting season. All those entering Forest areas of the Fillmore Ranger District should contact the USFS Fillmore office at 435-896-1010 to ensure areas of interest are not subject to changing fire conditions.

On Sept. 9, 2019, Fishlake National Forest Supervisor Mike T. Elson signed the following closure order:

Order Number: 0408-19-11

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

FOREST SERVICE FISHLAKE NATIONAL FOREST FILLMORE RANGER DISTRICT

Meadow Creek Fire Area, Road and Trail Closure

PROHIBITIONS: Pursuant to Title 36 CFR 261.50(b) the following acts are prohibited in the area, on the roads and sections of roads and the trail described in this Order, all within the Fillmore Ranger District, Fishlake National Forest.

1. Being in the area, 36 CFR 261.52(e). 2. Being on the road, 36 CFR 261.54(e). 3. Being on the trail, 36 CFR 261.55(a)

EXEMPTIONS: Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (e) the following persons are exempt from this order:
1. Persons with a permit specifically exempting them from the effect of this order.
2. Any federal, state or local officer, or member of an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty.
3. Federal or state administrative personnel in the performance of an official duty.
4. Owners or lessees of land in the area closure with an incident escort approved by the Forest Service.

AREA DESCRIPTION: The closed area is depicted on the attached map which is incorporated herein, and is within the National Forest boundary:

• NORTHERN BOUNDARY: National Forest System lands south of Forest Road 103 Sand Rock Ridge. From the easterly junction of Forest Road 096, to the easterly junction of Forest Road 386. Then from Forest Road 386 and 103 junction west to the forest boundary.

• EASTERN BOUNDARY: National Forest System lands west of Forest Road 096 from the northerly junction of Forest road 103 to the southerly junction of Forest trail 032.

• SOUTHERN BOUNDARY: National Forest System lands north of Forest Road 501 from the westerly junction of the forest boundary to the easterly junction of Forest Trail 032. Then from Forest Trail 032 to the easterly junction of Forest Road 096.

• WESTERN BOUNDARY: National Forest System lands east of the forest boundary. From the northerly junction of Forest Road 386 to the southerly junction of Forest Road 501.

ROAD DESCRIPTION Forest Road 386: entire length Forest Road 383: entire length Forest Road 103: entire length Forest Road 501: entire length Forest Road 852: entire length

TRAIL DESCRIPTION: Forest Trail 322: entire length Forest Trail 32: entire length

PURPOSE: To prevent potential injury to the public during fire operations in the described closure area. To provide for firefighter safety on the road and trails described during the wildland fire fighting operation.

IMPLEMENTATION:
1. This Order will be in effect when signed and shall remain in effect until 0000 hours October 1st, 2019 or until rescinded, whichever is earlier. 2. Violation of the above prohibition(s) is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000.00 for an individual or $10,000.00 for an organization, and/or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months. [Title 16 USC 551, Title 18 USC 3571(b) (6), Title 18 USC 3581 (b) (7)]. 3. Further information regarding this Order may be obtained at the Fillmore Ranger District Office (435) 743-5721 and the Fishlake National Forest Supervisors Office 435-896-9233.

Normal 0 false false false EN-US X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0in; mso-para-margin-right:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:10.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

ORDER NO. 19-05-006

FIRE RESTRICTIONS

KLAMATH NATIONAL FOREST

Yreka, CA. – The Lime and Kidder 2 Fires were started by lightning on September 5, 2019. The following are updates for each fire:

Lime Fire

The Lime Fire began this morning at approximately 1,100 acres, 0% contained. It grew to approximately 1,400 acres as of 5:00 pm, with 491 firefighters assigned to the fire. It is burning in the Cottonwood Peak/Little Cottonwood Peak area approximately ten miles north of Yreka. The fire was active on Sunday afternoon, producing a large smoke column starting at approximately 1:30 pm. This column was highly visible from Yreka and neighboring communities, as well as the Interstate 5 corridor. Similar fire behavior has been observed for the past three days and is due to burnable fuels on slopes being heated and dried by the afternoon sun and winds coming into alignment with terrain to support strong bursts of uphill fire growth. Burnable fuels include a heavy understory grass crop that was created by robust winter rains.

Firefighters are being challenged by extremely steep terrain and limited access points. Both direct and indirect fireline is being constructed. Water dropping helicopters and retardant aircraft are supporting firefighters on the ground. Yesterday, morning cloud cover prevented the use of retardant planes. When skies cleared later in the afternoon, retardant planes were once again used to aid in fire suppression.

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office issued an evacuation warning for residences within and adjacent to the Lime fire area. (Map of evacuation warning area)

Motorists are advised to exercise extreme caution along Highway 96 in the vicinity of the fire, in order to provide for firefighter safety and to accommodate increased fire equipment traffic. Motorists are also encouraged to be aware of potentially distracted driving along Interstate 5, as the fire is visible from several of vantage points north of Yreka.

Kidder 2 Fire

The 107-acre Kidder 2 Fire is located approximately ten miles southwest of Fort Jones in the Marble Mountain Wilderness. The remoteness of the fire and the steep terrain within the Kidder Creek drainage are presenting challenges for firefighter access. Water dropping helicopters have had great success supporting suppression efforts on the ground. The Pacific Crest Trail passes nearby, and hikers are advised to avoid the area, due to potential fire spreading.

The weather will remain cooler than normal through Tuesday with a slight chance of rain. After Tuesday, conditions are forecast to change, warming and drying towards the end of the week, and once again predicated to cool by the weekend with a chance of thunderstorms.

Community Meetings

Two public meetings are scheduled for tonight. The Kidder 2 Fire meeting will be in Fort Jones at The Rec at 6:30 pm and the Lime Fire meeting will be at the Klamath River Community Hall at 6 pm. Klamath National Forest and fire team officials will address your concerns while presenting the latest information on the fire.

More Information

Additional information can be found by following Klamath NF on Facebook or by following the Klamath National Forest on Twitter. You may also contact us at the Klamath National Forest Supervisor’s office at 1711 South Main Street in Yreka, CA or calling (530) 842-6131.

# # #

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

A community meeting for Kidder 2 Fire information will be tonight, Monday, September 9, 2019 at 6:30 pm. The meeting will be held at the Northern California Resource Center (the Rec) at 11236 N. State Highway 3, in Fort Jones, CA.

News Release Kidder 2 Fire Community Meeting

Great Basin Team 7 will transfer command of the Neck Fire to the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Color Country District on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 0700 hours. This will be the final update for the Neck Fire.
Together, the Great Basin Team 7 and BLM Color Country District developed a plan to complete fire suppression repair. To date, the fire suppression repair group has completed 90-95% of the 70-mile fireline. The Team will achieve 100% by the end of the day. Four engines, one handcrew, and a helicopter will be available to BLM Color Country over the weekend. Smoke may be visible as interior vegetation burns.
PUBLIC SAFETY: Considering near-record dry fuels and windy conditions, area managers ask the public to be aware of any activities which may spark dry vegetation such as dragging chains on trailers, hot exhaust pipes, and work with any type of burning material.
CLOSURES: Mud Springs Road and unpaved roads in the vicinity of the fire. Law enforcement is staffing roadblocks for public safety. Other unpaved roads near the fire remain closed.
FIRE RESTRICTIONS: None, but fire danger is High. Please ensure all campfires are out and cold to touch.
###

FIRE UPDATE: With the Neck Fire at 100% containment, and 70 miles of containment line surrounding thefire footprint, a fire suppression repair group is now working with heavy equipment to repair damagesresulting from fire suppression efforts. Repair work includes installing water runoff controls, fixing fences,and feathering dozer berm lines to prevent further environmental damage.
Throughout the Neck Fire, Great Basin Team 7 has worked alongside partnering local land managementspecialists to identify and plan for the wildfire’s rehabilitation. A Suppression Reclamation Plan has beendeveloped including guidelines for the rehabilitation and re-vegetation of handlines and dozer lines,dimensions for water bar construction, removal of refuse, range improvement project repair, and roadblading for driving safety.
WEATHER: Fall-like temperatures, shorter days, and longer evenings will aid fuel moisture recovery levels.The high is forecast to be 75 degrees.
RESOURCES: 3 Helicopters 2 Hand Crews 10 Engines 3 Dozers 1 Excavator
PUBLIC SAFETY: Mud Springs Road is the only gravel road closure to-date. Law enforcement is staffingroadblocks established for public safety and efficient firefighting operations. Other unpaved roads near thefire remain closed.
Considering near-record dry fuels and windy conditions, area managers ask the public to be aware of anyactivities which may spark dry vegetation such as dragging chains on trailers, hot exhaust pipes, and workwith any type of burning material.
Smoke may be visible as interior vegetation burns.
CLOSURES: Mud Springs Road and unpaved roads in the vicinity of the fire.
FIRE RESTRICTIONS: None, but fire danger is High. Please ensure all campfires are out and cold to touch.

FIRE UPDATE: Yesterday’s winds taxed the fire’s containment line, but pre-positioned crews and engines prevented any significant fire spread. The firefighters have been dousing some discovered old slash piles with water and continued monitoring shows no imminent risk of them burning. Today’s plan is to reinforce the dozer lines used to contain the spread of the fire while monitoring the active sections of the fire. Work will be focused in the Mound and Baboon Mountains areas of the perimeter, along with the long southeastern flank of the fire. Crews and equipment also will begin rehabilitating the 70 miles of dozer and handline around the area of the fire. No structures have been damaged, and none are currently at risk.

WEATHER: Today’s favorable firefighting scenario will benefit from the winds being far lighter than yesterday. Relative humidity also will increase today, helping reduce the combustibility of sagebrush and juniper. The high will be 70 degrees with light winds and 25% relative humidity that will aid firefighters in maintaining the containment lines.

RESOURCES: 1 Hotshot Crew 4 Helicopters 4 Hand Crews 14 Engines 2 Dozers 6 Water Tenders

PUBLIC SAFETY: Mud Springs Road is the only gravel road closure to-date. Law enforcement is staffing roadblocks established for public safety and efficient firefighting operations. Other unpaved roads near the fire remain closed.

Considering near-record dry fuels and windy conditions, area managers ask the public to be aware of any activities which may spark dry vegetation such as dragging chains on trailers, hot exhaust pipes, and work with any type of burning material.

The team’s firefighters continue to be actively engaged in mop-up and monitoring to ensure the fire does not escape containment. Smoke may linger for weeks, and even flare up, as interior hot spots ignite.

CLOSURES: Mud Springs Road and unpaved roads in the vicinity of the fire.