July Complex, formerly Caldwell

July Complex, Modoc NF, USFS. Thirty-six miles northwest of Canby, CA. Timber, brush and tall grass. Minimal fire behavior with creeping and smoldering. Area and road closures in effect.

To see the map legend, click on the double arrow on the left-hand side of the map.

August 11, 2020 at 8:50 AM

No further updates will be provided for this incident unless an unexpected increase in fire behavior dictates otherwise·
The Modoc National Forest would like to thank CAIIMT12 for their excellent service in containing these fires while also insuring the health and safety of everyone involved

August 6, 2020 at 9:50 AM

Today is the last day that the July Complex will be under the command of the California Interagency Incident Management Team 12. As of 6 a.m. on August 7, 2020, the complex will be under the command of the Modoc National Forest incident management organization.

Combined acreage of the Caldwell, Allen and Dalton fires is 83,261. Total containment is 97%.

The current acreage of the Caldwell fire is 80,859.

August 5, 2020 at 9:00 PM

Behavior: Minimal, creeping, smoldering.

Events: Continued mopping up, rehabbing and suppression repair. Interior stumps and hot spots continue to smoke.

The Medicine Lake Recreation Area will re-open Friday, Aug. 7 at 2 p.m.

Please do not visit these recreation areas before then. Visitors should use caution as fire personnel and equipment will still be in the area.

August 3, 2020 at 7:58 AM

Combined acreage of the Caldwell, Allen and Dalton fires is 83,261. Total containment is 97%.

The current acreage of the Caldwell fire is 80,859.

The gusty winds and low relative humidity continued to encourage smoldering of heavy dead and down fuels. Where the fire found unburned islands of fuel, isolated torching and short range spotting were observed. Stump holes and snags with fire in them burned actively with ongoing smoke production across the fire area.

August 2, 2020 at 11:32 AM

Fire activity was minimal overnight. All campgrounds in the area of Medicine Lake remain closed. Trail and road closures in the fire area remain in place. Lava Beds National Monument Visitor Center remains closed. Threat to BNSF Railroad, electrical transmission lines, high pressure gas lines, private timberlands and significant historical and Cultural areas. Critical Sage Grouse habitat remains threatened. California Type 2, Team 12 (Nobles) is in command

Caldwell Fire, near Caldwell Butte southeast of the Lava Beds (T45N R4E Sec35), the Caldwell fire is burning in an area that has not seen fire in over 40 years, and is now dense with Ponderosa and Lodgepole Pine stands. After several days of significant fire behavior and growth, the Caldwell fire is now 80,859 acres and 94% contained. Allen Fire, (T41N R8E Sec30) & Dalton Fire, (T45N R8E Sec16), fire crews have established containment line around both fires and are now engaged mop up and suppression repair. The Allen fire is 1,035 acres and 100% contained, as the Dalton fire is 1,367 acres and 100% contained.

There is high demand for resources in Northern California due to multiple fires. With successful containment of the July Complex fires, some equipment and personnel have been released to support those fires. Fire managers continue to prioritize firefighter and public safety, while protecting values at risk. Life safety will always remain the number one priority. COVID-19 mitigations are being taken to limit exposure risks to firefighters and the public, per CDC guidelines.

August 1, 2020 at 8:27 PM

Fire activity was minimal today. All campgrounds in the area of Medicine Lake remain closed. Trail and road closures in the fire area remain in place. Lava Beds National Monument Visitor Center remains closed. Threat to BNSF Railroad, electrical transmission lines, high pressure gas lines, private timberlands and significant historical and Cultural areas. Critical Sage Grouse habitat remains threatened. California Type 2, Team 12 (Nobles) is in command

August 1, 2020 at 9:47 AM

Fire activity on the Caldwell Fire has decreased substantially. This will be the final July Complex written update unless there are any significant developments.

A reminder that RESIDENTS ONLY have been allowed to return to private cabins at Medicine Lake. Cabin owners should use extreme caution on the roads as there are still multiple fire resources in the area. U.S. Forest Service campgrounds, recreational areas, and day-use areas at Medicine Lake will stay closed to support firefighters.

Weather: Today will be another sunny, hot day with temperatures 89-94. Dry conditions remain with humidity forecasted at 8-13%. Winds will be variable at 3-6 mph through 11 a.m. and then become S-SW at 8-13 mph with gusts up to 18 mph. Winds will shift around 4 p.m., coming from the northwest at 10-15 mph with gusts up to 20 mph. More warm and dry weather is predicted for next week.

Current Situation: Firefighters are making substantial progress on the Caldwell Fire. It is now 85% contained at 80,859 acres. Control lines on all sides of the fire are holding well. There are areas of unburned vegetation in the interior that may still ignite and show smoke. The southwest edge of the fire remains the most active. Firefighters have placed hose lines with water supply throughout the entire southwest edge, and they continue to improve control lines. On the northwest side of the fire, crews are primarily mopping-up. On the north, there is now black line (edge that is considered “contained”) around the entire area, and the heat within the tules has subsided. On the east side of the fire, crews are ensuring that fuels are cooled and that the fire can withstand wind without crossing over the control line. Crews on the southeast side are also focused on mop-up. There are resource specialists examining the fire area to determine what actions are needed to mitigate impacts of firefighting efforts on the land. On most areas of the fire, efforts will soon transition to these suppression repair tactics. More firefighters will now be available for initial attack to address any new fire starts in the Caldwell Fire area.

To mitigate COVID-19 risks, fire personnel are spread through three fire camps, with strict COVID-19 precautions in place.

Allen and Dalton Fires:The Allen and Dalton fires are now in monitor-only status. Firefighters are taking suppression repair actions, and managers are planning to transfer command of these fires back to the Modoc National Forest.

July 31, 2020 at 9:29 AM

There is a RED FLAG WARNING until 8 p.m.

Because of successful firefighting efforts, RESIDENTS ONLY have been allowed to return to private cabins at Medicine Lake. Cabin owners should use extreme caution on the roads. U.S. Forest Service campgrounds, recreational areas, and day-use areas at Medicine Lake will stay closed to support firefighters.

Weather: Today will be sunny, dry, and hot with gusty winds, with a high of 96 and humidity below 10%. Afternoon winds are predicted to be southwest at 12 to 17 mph with gusts up to 28 mph. This combination of strong winds and low humidity will result in Red Flag conditions this afternoon into tonight. Long-term weather trends are forecast to stay hot, breezy, dry and unstable. No rain or thunderstorms are predicted for the next seven days.

Current Situation: The Caldwell Fire was tested yesterday by Red Flag conditions, and the fire stayed within control lines. The fire is now 79,316 acres and 61% contained. Firefighters expanded and reinforced fire control lines around a majority of the fire yesterday. Smoke was visible as Caldwell Butte and other areas within the interior of the fire continued to burn. The southwest part of the fire is active, and crews implemented burning operations to keep the fire from moving toward Medicine Lake. Firefighters are still scouting for and creating secondary control lines between the fire and the lake. The fire is holding at the 49 Road in Lava Beds National Monument (also known as the Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway). Tule Lake, on the Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge at the north side of the fire, has minimal fire activity. On the east side within the Modoc National Forest, the fire stayed back along County Road 120 and along control lines around the burn area east of the railroad tracks. BNSF Railway’s fire train has left the fire after effective service and returned to its base at Klamath Falls, OR. Night resources remain on the Caldwell fire, aiding daytime efforts.

Red Flag conditions may lead to increased fire behavior today, and drought stressed fuels are still holding heat for long periods of time. Any new starts could show active fire behavior today.

To mitigate COVID-19 risks, fire personnel are spread through three fire camps, with strict COVID-19 precautions in place.

Today, firefighters remember and honor a fellow firefighter, Dave Ruhl, who died in the line of duty on a wildfire in Modoc County on July 31, 2015.

Allen and Dalton Fires: The Allen and Dalton fires should soon be in monitor-only status. Firefighters are taking suppression repair actions, and managers are planning to transfer command of these fires back to the Modoc National Forest.

Fire managers will employ tactics that safely engage fire while prioritizing firefighter and public safety and protecting values at risk. Life safety will always remain the number one priority. COVID-19 mitigations are being taken to limit exposure risks to firefighters and the public, per CDC guidelines.

Closures and Evacuations: The Medicine Lake recreation area is CLOSED, including campgrounds, recreation areas and day-use areas. The Lava Beds National Monument remains closed.

July 30, 2020 at 6:33 PM

The evacuation order for the Medicine Lake cabins has been lifted and residents may return. Please be cautious of fire apparatus on the roadways.

The Medicine Lake Campground remains closed to the public and continues to be occupied with fire personnel and equipment.

July 29, 2020 at 11:14 PM

There was increased fire activity throughout all areas of the fire with most of the fire coming within unburned pockets of vegetation well inside the perimeter. Red Flag conditions enhanced the fire behavior. The Gillem Fire has a line around it and crews are conducting mop up operations. The Allen and Dalton fires are in patrol status.

The Evacuation Order has been lifted for community of Tioneststa to local residents only. County Road-97, SR-139 and all campgrounds in the area of Medicine Lake remain closed. Lava Beds National Monument Visitor Center remains closed. Threat to Burlington Railroad, electrical transmission lines, high pressure gas lines, private timberlands and significant historical and Cultural areas. 

July 29, 2020 at 7:56 AM

There is a RED FLAG WARNING today, July 29, from 2 until 8pm.

Weather: Today’s conditions will be hot, dry, breezy, and unstable. The combination of gusty afternoon winds and low humidity will result in red flag conditions early this afternoon into the evening. Skies are forecast to remain sunny during the day, with temperatures as high as 95. Relative humidity could reach as low as 8%. Winds should be light and variable in the morning, becoming south-southwest at 10-15mph with gusts up to 20mph in the afternoon. Thursday and Friday could bring more red flag conditions due to wind and humidity. Conditions will remain sunny, very hot, dry, breezy, and unstable.

Current Situation: Fire behavior was much calmer on the Caldwell Fire yesterday than the previous two days; the fire is now 40% contained. Yesterday, crews conducted burning operations to even out the fire’s edge and fill in unburned areas. On the west side of the fire, the 49 road is holding well. Firefighters were able to begin direct control line construction on the south side of the fire, working from the 49 road eastward. Additionally, crews are still creating secondary control lines south of the fire perimeter. On the southeast corner, dozers and firefighters succeeded in creating solid control line, and this allowed the residents of Tionesta to return to their homes. On the east side, fire held well along the 120 road, and fire crews built control line all around the fire area that had crossed over the railroad tracks. On the north, fire flanked into the marsh and the tule is receptive to burning, however, fire is holding well at the 120 road.

The Gillem Fire was active yesterday and is now 3,669 acres. It is burning in difficult terrain that is not fully accessible to firefighters. Dozers and engines worked where safety allowed, and firefighters conducted burning operations along the 49 road. Aircraft were not able to drop water over the Gillem Fire yesterday because of smoke impacts.

Crews and equipment will continue similar work as yesterday on the Caldwell Fire, securing the fire’s edge and ensuring that control lines are solid and effective. Firefighters on the south side will extend the direct line they began yesterday. Firefighters working in the Gillem Fire area will construct direct and indirect control line and hold and improve existing control line to help limit spread. Night resources remain on the Caldwell and Gillem fires, and they are successfully enhancing daytime efforts.

Red Flag conditions could contribute to increased fire behavior today, and drought stressed fuels are still holding heat for long periods of times. Any hold-over new starts from previous lighting strikes could show active behavior today.

In order to keep mitigating COVID-19 risks, fire managers have established two new fire camps, allowing personnel to spread out and maintain social distancing recommendations to the best extent possible.

Allen and Dalton Fires:The Allen and Dalton fires have line around their entire perimeters. Staff are performing suppression repair activities, and managers anticipate being able to transfer command of these fires back to the Modoc National Forest.

Fire managers will employ tactics that safely engage fire while prioritizing firefighter and public safety and protecting values at risk. Life safety will always remain the number one priority. COVID-19 mitigations are being taken to limit exposure risks to firefighters and the public, per CDC guidelines.

Closures and Evacuations: There remains a MANDATORY EVACUATION in place for the Medicine Lake Recreation Area. The Lava Beds National Monument remains closed.

July 28, 2020 at 9:07 PM

The Gillem fire started last night on the NW side of the Caldwell fire. This afternoon the Gillem and the Caldwell fires connected. The Caldwell fire continues to burn to the southeast. The Allen and Dalton fires had minimal fire activity. The community of Tionesta is under Evacuation Orders. County Road 97, SR 139 and all campgrounds in the area of Medicine Lake remain closed. Evacuation Orders for Tule Lake have been lifted. Lava Beds National Monument remains threatened.

Threat to Burlington Railroad, electrical transmission lines, high pressure gas lines, private timberlands and significant historical and Cultural areas. Critical Sage Grouse habitat remains threatened. California Type 1, Team 1 (McGowan) is in command, California Type 2, Team 12 (Nobles) assigned

July 28, 2020 at 12:08 PM

The MANDATORY EVACUATION for Tionesta remains in place. Evacuations and warnings are lifted for: Tulelake area, residents with property bordering the forest or Lava Beds, all Copic, Panhandle and Peninsula areas south of Hwy 139.

Weather: Today will be partly cloudy in the morning, with clearing skies leading to sunny, warmer, drier weather today. Light and variable winds this morning will become south-southwest at 8-12mph and gusty by the afternoon, up to 17mph. Maximum temperatures should be 88-93F, with humidity at 15-20%. As the week continues, conditions will become very hot, dry, breezy and unstable, with possible red flag conditions.

Current Situation: As predicted, yesterday’s weather included thunderstorms and erratic outflow winds. These conditions created extreme fire behavior and growth on the Caldwell Fire, which has now grown to 67,789 acres. Fire was active on the west side of the fire, and firefighters conducted more burning operations near the Lava Beds National Monument Visitor Center and Headquarters, and control lines here are holding well. On the east side, the fire made a run toward Hwy 139, crossing the railroad tracks and threatening the town of Tionesta, thus prompting an evacuation. The 97 road was closed in the fire area. Aircraft assisted with efforts until weather no longer allowed, and firefighters worked aggressively to create control measures and implemented direct line construction using heavy equipment, engines, and hand crews. They conducted tactical burning operations off road systems and performed point to point structure protection (going from structure to structure and reducing the potential for ignition by removing burnable material). Crews successfully prevented fire spread into the town. On the north side of the fire, firefighters constructed direct control line along the fire’s edge and extended the line west and south back toward the Lava Beds National Monument area. The rain helped calm the fire into the evening; the Caldwell Fire received between 0.1 and 0.25 inches of rain.

Today, on the north side, firefighters will continue creating and enforcing control line. The tule in the marshes has been susceptible to burning, so crews will work to anchor the fire at the water and limit fire spread to the north. On the east side, the threat to Tionesta is now significantly diminished. Firefighters will improve and work to complete control line in this area. Fire crews on the west side will be performing burning operations to clean up the west edge and further secure the control line. These burning operations ‘fill in’ areas of unburned fuel, thus limiting the potential for more unpredictable fire behavior. Firefighters will work along the 49 road, south to the 44N01, looping back east beneath the southwest corner of the fire.

Lightning strikes created a new fire just northeast of the Caldwell perimeter, now called the “Gillem Fire”. July Complex crews are attending to this fire and have built a significant amount of control line around its perimeter. This fire is approximately 500 acres.

Allen and Dalton Fires:The Allen and Dalton fires have line around their entire perimeters. They currently require very little staffing, and managers anticipate being able to transfer command of these fires back to the local unit later this week.

July 28, 2020 at 8:43 AM

MANDATORY EVACUATION for TIONESTA remains in place.

ALL MANDATORY EVACUATIONS LIFTED for the following roads in the Tulelake area south of HWY 139:
County Road 120 to 124
County Road 121 to 124
All residents with property bordering the forest or Lava beds from 120-124.

ALL EVACUATION WARNINGS LIFTED for all Copic, Panhandle and Peninsula areas south of HWY 139.

A new fire (lightning-caused) was detected yesterday afternoon. The Gillam Fire is located just west of Gillam Ridge, near the northwest corner of the Caldwell Fire. It is being managed as part of the July Complex.

As predicted, yesterday’s weather included thunderstorms and erratic outflow winds. These conditions created extreme fire behavior and growth on the Caldwell Fire, which has now grown to 67,789 acres. Fire was active on the west side of the fire, and firefighters conducted more burning operations near the Lava Beds National Monument Visitor Center and Headquarters, and control lines here are holding well. On the east side, the fire made a run toward Hwy 139, crossing the railroad tracks and threatening the town of Tionesta, thus prompting an evacuation. Highway 97 was closed in the fire area. Aircraft assisted with efforts until weather no longer allowed, and firefighters worked aggressively to create control measures and implemented direct line construction using heavy equipment, engines, and hand crews. They conducted tactical burning operations off road systems and performed point to point structure protection (going from structure to structure and reducing the potential for ignition by removing burnable material). Crews successfully prevented fire spread into the town. On the north side of the fire, firefighters constructed direct control line along the fire’s edge and extended the line west and south back toward the Lava Beds National Monument area. The rain helped calm the fire into the evening; the Caldwell Fire received between 0.1 and 0.25 inches of rain.

Today, on the north side, firefighters will continue creating and enforcing control line. The tule in the marshes has been susceptible to burning, so crews will work to anchor the fire at the water and limit fire spread to the north. On the east side, the threat to Tionesta is now significantly diminished. Firefighters will improve and work to complete control line in this area. Fire crews on the west side will be performing burning operations to clean up the west edge and further secure the control line. These burning operations ‘fill in’ areas of unburned fuel, thus limiting the potential for more unpredictable fire behavior. Firefighters will work along the 49 road, south to the 44N01, looping back east beneath the southwest corner of the fire.

Lightning strikes created a new fire just northeast of the Caldwell perimeter, now called the “Gillam Fire”. July Complex crews are attending to this fire and have built a significant amount of control line around its perimeter. This fire is approximately 500 acres.

Allen and Dalton Fires: The Allen and Dalton fires have line around their entire perimeters. They currently require very little staffing, and managers anticipate being able to transfer command of these fires back to the local unit later this week.

Fire managers will employ tactics that safely engage fire while prioritizing firefighter and public safety and protecting values at risk. Life safety will always remain the number one priority. COVID-19 mitigations are being taken to limit exposure risks to firefighters and the public, per CDC guidelines.

Closures and Evacuations: There are MANDATORY EVACUATIONS for Tionesta. There remains a MANDATORY EVACUATION in place for the Medicine Lake Recreation Area. The Lava Beds National Monument remains closed. For information regarding evacuations, go to the Modoc County Sheriff’s Facebook or Website: www.modocsheriff.us

July 27, 2020 at 8:26 PM

The fire behavior remained active today with wind driven and uphill runs. New Evacuation Orders have been issued for the Tule Lake area. County Rd. 97 has been closed at the junction of State Route 139.Evacuation Order for Lava Beds National Monument and campground in the vicinity of Medicine Lake remain in place. Threat to Burlington Railroad, electrical transmission lines, high pressure gas lines, private timberlands and significant historical and Cultural areas. Critical Sage Grouse habitat remains threatened. California Type 2, Team 12 (Nobles) in command and California Type 1, Team 1 (McGowan) shadowing.

July 27, 2020 at 2:32 PM

Due to unstable weather and extreme fire activity on the Caldwell Fire, there is a MANDATORY EVACUATION for Tionesta. Fire on the east is approaching Hwy 139. Firefighters are working aggressively to implement control measures and structure protection is in place where needed.

— USFS-Modoc (@ModocNF) July 27, 2020

July 27, 2020 at 8:38 AM

Special notes: There is a RED FLAG WARNING today.

Weather: Partly cloudy this morning, becoming mostly cloudy with increasing moisture and instability that will lead to thunderstorms. Storms will be possible any time after 12pm but are most likely between 3pm and 7pm. Any thunderstorms will be capable of producing dangerous and erratic downdraft wind gusts, significant lighting, brief heavy downpours, and small hail. Storms should come from the S/SW. Temperatures may reach as high as 91F with humidity at 18-23%. Winds should be light in the morning, becoming S to SW at 8-12mph with gusts to 17mph in the afternoon, and downdrafts reaching up to 40mph. The rest of the week is predicted to remain sunny, very hot, dry, and unstable.

Current Situation: Yesterday’s thunderstorms caused strong and erratic outflow winds that contributed to rapid fire spread on the Caldwell Fire. Fire management responded with multiple resources including 20 engines, 5 water tenders, 3 hand crews with a total of 60 firefighters, and resource supervisors. The fire burned throughout the night and spread primarily to the north. Evening infrared flights showed a growth of just over 30,000 acres, resulting in a total of 43,749 acres. The fire is now just south of County Road 120. There have been evacuations in the Tulelake area, and there was known impact to one structure and three outbuildings. Fire managers are assessing for damage.

The fire also had some growth to the west/northwest. Firefighters conducted burn-out operations around the Lava Beds National Monument Visitor Center and around some residences in order to protect this area.

Today brings similar unstable conditions; predicted gusty outflow winds could create more extreme fire behavior and growth. Drought-stressed fuels are holding heat for long periods of time and are receptive to spotting and therefore new ignitions. Firefighters on the north of the fire will prioritize protecting structures in the Tulelake area and construct both direct and indirect containment line. Crews on the west of the fire will continue work on the secondary containment lines between the fire and the Medicine Lake area. There are 16 helicopters available to assist with suppression efforts today.

Resources will continue to staff the Caldwell Fire at night, monitoring the fire’s edge and engaging in suppression efforts as safety permits.

Allen and Dalton Fires: The Allen and Dalton fires both have line around their entire perimeters. Crews continuing securing and mopping-up this line in order to be able to call it “contained”. Primary focus for the July Complex is on the Caldwell Fire.

Fire managers will employ tactics that safely engage fire while prioritizing firefighter and public safety and protecting values at risk. Life safety will always remain the number one priority. COVID-19 mitigations are being taken to limit exposure risks to firefighters and the public, per CDC guidelines.

Closures and Evacuations:

There are MANDATORY EVACUATIONS for the following roads in the Tulelake area south of HWY 139: County Road 120 to 124, County Road 121 to 124, all residents with property bordering the forest or Lava beds from 120-124.

There are EVACUATION WARNINGS for all of Copic, Panhandle and Peninsula areas south of HWY 139. There remains a MANDATORY EVACUATION in place for the Medicine Lake Recreation Area. The Lava Beds National Monument remains closed. For information regarding evacuations, go to the Modoc County Sheriff’s Facebook or Website: www.modocsheriff.us

July 27, 2020 at 6:59 AM

Strong erratic winds produced caused rapid fire growth on the Caldwell FIre overnight. As of 6:45am one structure and three outbuildings have been confirmed as destroyed.

The following information is per the Modoc County Sheriff:

CALDWELL FIRE:
MANDATORY EVACUATIONS for the following roads in the Tulelake area south of HWY 139:
County Road 120 to 124
County Road 121 to 124
All residents with property bordering the forest or Lava beds from 120-124.

EVACUATION WARNINGS for all Copic, Panhandle and Peninsula areas south of HWY 139.

Thunderstorms caused outflow winds that contributed to rapid fire spread on the Caldwell Fire. The fire threatened the community of Tulelake, prompting evacuations in the area. The fire has spread to approximately one mile south of County Road 120. Fire management responded with multiple resources including 20 engines, 5 water tenders, 3 hand crews with a total of 60 firefighters, and resource supervisors.

July 27, 2020 at 6:39 AM

The Caldwell Fire made a considerable push overnight. Infrared mapping shows large growth to the north. The fire is currently mapped at 43,749 acres. New evacuations were put into place last night by the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office.

July 26, 2020 at 11:55 AM

Special notes: Monday’s fire weather watch has been upgraded to a RED FLAG WARNING.

Weather: Today, Sunday, July 26th will remain very hot and dry with relative humidity in the low to mid-teens. It should be sunny in the morning, becoming partly cloudy in the afternoon. Temperature highs in fire areas will be up to 92F. Isolated thunderstorms may develop this afternoon into the evening, increasing in coverage and intensity on Monday. West to northwest winds will be breezy in the afternoon and could become gustier and more erratic near thunderstorms in the afternoon. Unstable conditions could contribute to active fire behavior and smoke columns. Monday brings a RED FLAG WARNING for abundant lighting on dry fuels.

Current Situation: Fire activity may pick up earlier in the day today than yesterday, and fires may burn for a longer period. The Caldwell Fire is burning in an area that has not seen fire for over 40 years and is now densely stocked with Ponderosa Pine and Lodgepole Pine stands. Fire will be most active in these areas (south and southwest), with potential for single tree and group tree torching and some tendency for short-range spotting.

Allen and Dalton Fires:The Allen and Dalton fires both have line around their entire perimeters. Crews are now securing and mopping-up this line in order to be able to call it “contained”.

Caldwell Fire: The Caldwell Fire is 13,125 acres. Fire was active toward the close of the day yesterday. Fire behavior on the Caldwell Fire remains fuel and terrain driven, moving from grassy areas into very dense ponderosa and lodgepole. Yesterday, crews improved roads and trails west of the Caldwell fire and constructed and enforced control line between the Lava Beds National Monument Visitor Center and the 10 road. Overnight crews furthered this work and monitored for any increased fire behavior or spread. Crews will continue line construction today, prioritizing areas between the fire and the Medicine Lake area and between the fire and the Lava Beds National Monument area. Firefighters are constructing multiple secondary control lines west of the fire and east of Medicine Lake. Structure protection crews are assessing the Medicine Lake area for any needs. Crews are still building direct control line along the fire’s edge when conditions are safe to do so. Air resources remain ready to assist in suppression efforts, with 18 helicopters available to be called to the Caldwell Fire as needed.

Night resources will remain on the Caldwell Fire, monitoring the fire’s edge and engaging in suppression efforts as safety permits.

Fire managers will employ tactics that safely engage fire while prioritizing firefighter and public safety and protecting values at risk. Life safety will always remain the number one priority. COVID-19 mitigations are being taken to limit exposure risks to firefighters and the public, per CDC guidelines.

Closures and Evacuations: There is a mandatory evacuation in place for the Medicine Lake Recreation Area. The Lava Beds National Monument remains closed. Please stay away from closed areas so that firefighters may perform work safely.

July 25, 2020 at 10:08 PM

The July Complex consists of the Caldwell, Allen, and Dalton Fires. The Allen fire merged with the Dalton fire and will now be reported as the Dalton fire. Evacuation Order for Lava Beds National Monument and campground in the vicinity of Medicine Lake. Threat to Transmission Lines and High Pressure Gas lines, private timberlands, to significant historical and Cultural areas, and Critical Sage Grouse Habitat. California Type 2, Team 12 (Nobles) in command and California Type 1, Team 1 (McGowan) activated to shadow, with in brief on 7/26.

Caldwell Fire: The Caldwell Fire remains active, growing to 11,860 acres and is 0% contained. Fire was particularly active on the west and southwest yesterday. The Caldwell Fire is burning in rough and difficult to access terrain; this makes it challenging to safely engage. Today, firefighters will create both direct (at the fire’s edge) and indirect (away from the fire’s edge) control line to limit fire spread. Crews will build control line utilizing existing road and trail systems, building from the Lava Beds National Monument Visitor Center southwest and from the 10 Rd going back west toward the lava fields. The fire is approximately 5 miles from the Medicine Lake area. Structure protection resources are available should they be needed.

Allen Fire: The Allen Fire is estimated at 948 acres with 60% containment. Yesterday, hand crews and dozers successfully created control line around much of the fire area. Today, firefighters will construct additional control line and perform mop-up (extinguish or remove burning material, fell snags/dangerous trees, remove logs so they will not roll downhill, etc.).

Dalton Fire: The Dalton Fire is approximately 1367 acres and 0% contained. Crews on the Dalton Fire will work to complete line construction and mop-up in order to secure the fire’s edge.

As of tonight, there will be a night operational period on the July Complex. Overnight crews will monitor fire edges and engage in suppression efforts as safety permits. Primary efforts will be on the Caldwell Fire.

Closures and Evacuations: There is a mandatory evacuation in place for the Medicine Lake Recreation Area as the Caldwell Fire threatens to cross Roads 97 and 49 and limit orderly exit. Fire has not reached the campgrounds but is growing in that direction.
For information regarding evacuations, go to the Modoc County Sheriff’s Facebook or Website: www.modocsheriff.us

July 25, 2020 at 9:51 AM

The July Complex consists of the Caldwell, Allen, Dalton, and Lone fires. Fire behavior remained active overnight on the Caldwell Fire, decreased fire behavior reported on all other fires. Evacuation Order for Lava Beds National Monument and campground in the vicinity of Medicine Lake. Threat to Transmission Lines and High Pressure Gas lines, private timberlands, to significant historical and Cultural areas, and Critical Sage Grouse Habitat. California Type 2, Team 12 (Nobles) in command and California Type 1, Team 1 (McGowan) activated to shadow, with in brief on 7/26

Due to the high demand across the northern California area, fire resources available for this incident have been limited. As personnel and equipment arrive, they have been assigned to construct new control lines and reinforce existing control lines of the fire perimeters. 

Accuracy of mapping data has been challenged, due to smoke impacts and erratic fire behavior near the fire’s edge.  

Caldwell Fire: 7,980 acres, 0% contained. Due to fire activity, smoke impacts and rough terrain, opportunities to safely engage firefighters to control the fire perimeter proved difficult. However crews, engines and aircraft have made some progress today.

Allen Fire: 1,200 acres, 60% contained. Firefighters are making good progress and continue to work towards full containment.

Dalton Fire: 2,500 acres, 80% contained. Heavy equipment and helicopters aided ground personnel and containment of the fire perimeter continues. 

July 24, 2020 at 7:38 AM

Wind-driven growth towards the west and south yesterday necessitated the closure of the Lava Beds National Monument and Forest Service roads in the area. It is not advisable to visit the Medicine Lake area.

July 24, 2020 at 6:45 AM

Extreme fire behavior with wind driven runs observed. Structures, power-lines, railroad, gas lines, private timber operations, fruit tree plantation and the Glass Mountain Mine are threatened.

Lava Beds National Monument Headquarters is under evacuation Orders. There is also a threat to the Community of Tionesta.

Road, trail and area closures are in place. This incident will become part of the July Complex. California IMT 12 (Nobles) will assume command at 0600 today.

July 23, 2020 at 7:21 AM

Fire is located 17 miles south of the community of Tule Lake. Rapid fire spread has been reported with the fire threatening structures, power-lines, gas lines, and railroad lines. A red Flag Warning in in place for the fire area.