Gap, Klamath National Forest

Gap, Klamath NF. IMT 2 (Kurth). Four miles east of Seiad Valley, CA. Timber, brush and hardwood slash. Minimal fire behavior. Road, area and trail closures in effect.

September 18, 2016 at 1:12 PM

The Gap Fire, currently at 33,867 acres, was declared 100 percent contained September 17, 2016 at  6:00pm. No new no fire growth is expected. Management of the Gap Fire has been transferred from Norcal Team 1 to the Klamath National Forest and a Type 3 management team under the leadership of Incident Commander Josh Mathiesen.

Crews will continue suppression repair operations as well as patrolling to insure the fire remains within the containment line. The fire is expected to continue to smolder and burn within the fire perimeter–most likely until season ending rains occur.

Fire officials are asking visitors to avoid the fire area because of dangers associated with the fire and safety risk to fire fighters still working in the area. The public is encouraged to check with local District Offices, on websites or social media for information about current conditions before heading out to the woods.

September 17, 2016 at 10:23 AM
Management of the Gap Fire will be transferred from Norcal Team 1 to the Klamath National Forest and a Type 3 management team within the next 24 hours.

Forest crews will continue mop-up operations to the extent needed to secure firelines and reduce the threat of any escape. Crews will also continue suppression repair operations where needed. The fire is expected to continue to smolder and burn within the fire perimeter–most likely until season ending rains occur. The public is encouraged to check with local District Offices, on websites or social media for information about current conditions before heading out to the woods.

Please use caution while driving in and around the fire area as firefighters and other vehicles are still working in the area. Fire officials are also asking visitors to avoid the fire area because of dangers associated with the fire and to check for updated closure information as it becomes available.

September 15, 2016 at 12:45 PM

Firefighters were able to make good progress on the fire yesterday as their mission changes from fire suppression to repair. Today, crews will continue to monitor and mop up isolated hot spots within containment lines on the Northwest corner. In all areas of the fire, crews will patrol and monitor as well as repair fire lines and backhaul excess equipment. Helicopters will be available for water drops. The public will continue to see scattered smokes from the fire. Isolated pockets of unburned vegetation may ignite, producing columns of smoke visible from surrounding areas.

A new Forest Closure Order has been implemented for the Gap Fire on the Klamath National Forest—reducing the area affected by the previous closure order. Significant areas of land have been re-opened on the east and west sides of the fire. The Pacific Crest Trail is now open for hikers. Details are available on the Klamath National Forest web site at www.fs.usda.gov/klamath.

September 13, 2016 at 9:53 AM

The acreage increase is due to a change in mapping methods. The acreage figure includes all acres—burned and unburned—within the fire perimeter.

Two community meetings are scheduled: one today, September 13, at 6 pm at Seiad Valley fire station and one tomorrow, September 14, at 6 pm at Horse Creek Community Church.

Motorists might experience temporary closures on Highway 96 due to fire-suppression activity or crews moving equipment.

Residents and visitors in the area are likely to see smoke and occasional fire as unburned vegetation continues to ignite inside the fire perimeter.

During yesterday’s operational period a red-flag warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity began at 2 pm. Although the northwest firelines were tested, crews successfully kept the fire within containment lines. Elsewhere around the fire perimeter, firefighters mopped up containment lines, repaired contingency lines, and backhauled excess equipment and trash.

The red-flag warning has been lifted. Today, firefighters will concentrate on locating and extinguishing isolated heat sources along the western perimeter to keep the fire from spotting over the last remaining section of uncontained line. These heat sources range from smoldering tree stumps to burning interior islands of vegetation.

Helicopters will be available for water drops. Additional firefighters and heavy equipment are on standby and will respond to new fire starts as needed. Crews will continue to backhaul, mop up, and patrol the firelines. South of the fire area, firefighters are repairing contingency lines—dozer and hand lines—constructed during the fire-suppression phase.

September 11, 2016 at 10:05 AM

The 100-acre increase from yesterday is due to pockets of vegetation burning in the fire’s interior and not perimeter expansion.

A community meeting is planned for Tuesday, September 13, at 6:00 pm at the Seiad Valley fire station.

Motorists might experience temporary closures on Highway 96 due to fire-suppression activity or crews moving equipment.

Residents and visitors in the area are likely to see smoke and occasional fire as unburned vegetation continues to ignite inside the fire perimeter.

Management of the Gap Fire was transferred to Incident Commander Jay Kurth’s Northern California Incident Management Team this morning at 6 am.

The fire was most active yesterday on the northeast side. As unburned vegetation within the perimeter ignited under clear skies and unseasonably hot, dry conditions, it produced significant smoke that affected nearby communities and was visible in eastern Siskiyou County. Elsewhere, the fire was less active, allowing crews to continue mopping-up; felling hazard trees; and backhauling excess equipment, supplies, and trash from the fireline. As crews patrolled the fire’s southern edge along Highway 96, they discovered and extinguished a pocket of residual heat where the fire had spotted south of the highway on August 28.

Today’s priority for crews is to hold the fireline on the northeast side, which will be tested with northwest winds. They will also unwrap the power poles along Highway 96 as part of the clean-up process. Firefighters will finish chipping along contingency lines northeast of the fire and will move to the southwest area. Around the fire perimeter, they will inventory and repair areas affected by fire-suppression activities, such as dozer lines, drop points, and staging areas.

A Forest Closure remains in effect for areas affected by the Gap Fire on the Klamath National Forest. The Beaver Creek Road is closed at the intersection with West Beaver Creek Road (47N01). Beaver Creek Road remains open to the east 2118(48N01).

The cause of the Gap Fire is still under investigation. If you have information pertaining to the fire investigation, please contact the US Forest Service Tipline for the Klamath National Forest at 530-841-4474.

September 10, 2016 at 10:21 AM

Crews patrolled the fire overnight, checking lines and monitoring fire activity. Today they will continue mop up which can include cold-trailing firelines, felling hazard trees, and extinguishing any remaining hot spots which are in close proximity to the line. Crews will also backhaul trash and excess equipment. They will pull hose from areas where it is no longer needed, carefully cleaning and rolling it before future use.

Firefighters have begun suppression repair, including carefully assessing opened dozer lines and road systems for erosion control needs. They will build berms and water bars, as needed, and repair any roads and culverts damaged during suppression activities. They will chip or pile any cut vegetation for burning later in the season.

September 9, 2016 at 8:51 AM

Containment lines continue to hold. Increased acreage is due to islands of vegetation burning inside the perimeter of the containment line.

Motorists may experience temporary closures on Highway 96 due to fire, suppression activity, or crews moving equipment.

Firefighters patrolled the fire’s perimeter overnight while continuing to mop-up additional areas. Fire was visible from Highway 96 but remained far inside containment lines. With all the progress being made, night shift will be suspended at midnight tonight unless fire conditions change.

Crews will continue today with mop-up and backhaul of equipment and trash. Additionally, they will begin suppression repair work by covering containment lines to prevent erosion and unauthorized use, building water bars and berms to minimize erosion, and repairing roads that were damaged during suppression efforts. The fire will continue to back down with low-intensity through remaining interior islands of vegetation. Smoke from the interior fire will continue to be visible. Predicted winds from the northeast will likely move smoke from the Gap Fire to the southwest for the next few days.

September 8, 2016 at 7:06 AM

A significant demobilization of resources occurred yesterday, and will continue through today. Night shift operations will be reduced due limited fire activity through the night.

Firefighters completed the firing on the northern northern perimeter of the fire last night, and will continue with firing in the interior to tie in with the main fire.

On the southern perimeter, firefighters spent the night searching for remaining sources of heat along the Klamath River and north up the Horse Creek drainage. Fire crews also began removing hose and equipment from the spot fires that occurred last week, and officially calling those contained. Hose and equipment was also removed from the far western side of the fire as mop up is complete in that area.

September 7, 2016 at 8:23 PM

The Gap Fire is burning on the Klamath National Forest. As of 6:00 p.m. it is 29,759 acres and 65% contained.

As of 5:30 p.m. today, September 7, 2016, all evacuation advisories have been lifted for the Gap Fire.
A public meeting will be held at the Scott Bar Community Hall tomorrow, September 8, at 6pm.
Motorists may experience temporary closures on Highway 96 due to fire and/or suppression activity.

Crews worked today to hold lines and mop up around the fire, and to complete low-intensity firing operations along the north side of the fire. All containment lines held well, but residents and motorists should be aware that smoke will be visible from inside the fire perimeter as unburned islands of vegetation continue to ignite. Firefighters are starting to assess suppression repair needs as well as backhaul trash and excess equipment from the fireline.

Tonight, crews will wrap up any remaining strategic firing necessary to secure lines and patrol along the Highway 96 corridor.

A warmer, drier trend is predicted to begin tomorrow. Winds are expected to remain light.

September 7, 2016 at 9:53 AM

Night crews completed construction on the last remaining piece of open line overnight, tying dozer line from the northeast into Forest Road 12 southwest of the Morgan Ranch. They carefully fired along the line, creating good containment depth. Crews completed firing around the ranch buildings, and mopped up firelines to maintain containment—generally to a depth of 200 feet or more. A spot fire occurred at approximately 5:30pm yesterday evening between Highway 96 and the Klamath River west of Hamburg. Crews responded quickly and contained the spot, successfully holding the fire north of the river.

Crews will work today to hold lines and mop up today around the fire, and to complete low-intensity firing operations along the north and south sides of the fire, as conditions permit. Residents and motorists in the area should be aware that smoke will be visible from inside the fire perimeter for the foreseeable future as unburned islands of vegetation continue to ignite.

While a robust marine layer helped raise relative humidity overnight, warmer and drier temperatures are predicted for the fire area beginning today and lasting through the weekend. Winds are predicted to be light and terrain-driven.

• A public meeting will be held at the Scott Bar Community Hall tomorrow, September 8, at 6pm.
• All mandatory evacuations have been lifted.
• Advisory evacuations are in effect for both sides of Highway 96 between Scott River Road and Walker Gulch–including Hamburg.
• An advisory evacuation remains in effect for residences on Ladd Road west from Hick’s Gulch to Walker Gulch on the north side of the Klamath River.
• Motorists may experience temporary closures on Highway 96 due to fire and/or suppression activity.

September 6, 2016 at 8:48 PM

Focusing on the north and south sides of the fire, crews continued to hold, mop-up, and monitor the fire for any lofting embers that could ignite vegetation outside of the containment line.   Firefighters aggressively worked to contain a spot fire that occurred between Highway 96 and the Klamath River late this afternoon.

Tonight, on the north side of the fire, crews will evaluate opportunities for low-intensity firing operations to complete additional containment line. On the south side of the fire, firefighters will continue to hold existing lines and work to keep fire north of Highway 96. Structure defense personnel will remain in place for the coming days in Hamburg and along the Highway 96 corridor.

A deep marine layer is expected overnight, with higher relative humidity and better moisture recovery. Tomorrow’s weather is expected to be similar to today, with temperatures trending a few degrees warmer due to a predicted high pressure system.

September 6, 2016 at 9:52 AM

Firefighters used cool temperatures and favorable winds overnight to carefully bring fire to the Klamath River, removing unburned vegetation between the active fire front and the river. They also continued to construct indirect contingency dozer line on the south side of the Klamath River. Firefighters continue to slowly bring fire from containment line on the north side of the fire to meet the active fire edge. This effort is intended to reduce fire intensity as it approaches the containment line. Crews will continue this work as conditions permit. Successful mop-up continued on the east and west flanks overnight.

Today, crews will continue to hold, mop-up and monitor the fire for any lofting embers that could ignite vegetation outside of the containment line. Structure defense will remain in place for the coming days around residences in Hamburg and along the Highway 96 corridor.

Daytime weather is expected to be similar to yesterday, with temperatures trending a few degrees warmer and winds remaining light. Tonight a deeper marine layer is expected, with higher relative humidity and better moisture recovery.

A public meeting will be held TONIGHT, September 6, 2016 at 4pm at the Horse Creek Community Church.

September 5, 2016 at 8:24 PM

Public meeting tomorrow afternoon, September 6, at 4:00 p.m. at the Horse Creek Community Church
Mandatory evacuations remain in place this evening for both sides of Highway 96 between Scott River Road and Walker Gulch including Hamburg.
Mandatory evacuations remain for residences on Ladd Road west from Hick’s Gulch to Walker Gulch on the north side of the Klamath River.
Motorists should expect temporary hard closures on Highway 96 due to fire activity.
Advisory evacuations remain in effect for residents along Highway 96 west from Walker Gulch; including the community of Seiad Valley, and along the Seiad Creek Road from Seiad Valley to Panther Gulch.
Scott Bar remains under an evacuation advisory.
Two structures were reported destroyed near Hick’s Gulch on the north side of the Klamath River. They have yet to be assessed on the ground.

Today, crews worked to strategically place fire on the perimeter, as conditions permitted, to remove fuel between the active fire and primary fireline. This was done to reduce fire intensity and minimize the likelihood of fire crossing indirect containment line to the north. On the south side of the fire, firefighters continued to bring fire down to the river, while staying in place for structure defense, if needed. Mop-up continued along the western and eastern flanks of the fire, which are both holding well.

Tonight, firefighters will focus their efforts on the north and south side of the fire, continuing low-intensity firing operations to remove remaining vegetation between the primary fireline and the active fire. A south contingency group and a structure protection group will also be in place south of the Klamath River should they be needed. Additional resources will also be staged in key locations overnight.

Weather this evening is expected to stay in between the upper 30s and the mid 40’s with light winds predicted. High pressure building off the west coast is expected to work inland beginning on Wednesday, leading to warmer temperatures and lower relative humidity during the day.

September 5, 2016 at 9:14 AM

Crews had a productive shift overnight, continuing low-intensity firing operations along the dozer line southwest from the Pacific Crest Trail. Firefighters worked to strengthen and mop up lines along the western side of the fire. Along Highway 96, crews carefully brought fire toward the river to help hold it there. The fire was relatively quiet, and no spot fires were reported across south of the river.

Today, crews will work to strategically place fire on the fire perimeter, as conditions permit, to remove fuel between the active fire and primary fire line. This action will reduce fire intensity and minimize the likelihood of fire crossing indirect containment line to the north. On the south, firefighters will continue to bring fire down to the river, as structure defense, should it become necessary. Mop-up continues along the western and eastern flanks of the fire, which are both holding well.

Weather is expected to stay in the low 80s through today with light winds predicted. High pressure building off the west coast is expected to work inland beginning on Wednesday, leading to warmer temperatures and lower relative humidity.

September 4, 2016 at 9:04 PM

Mandatory evacuations remain in place for both sides of Highway 96 between Scott River Road and Walker Gulch including Hamburg.
Mandatory evacuations remain for residences on Ladd Road west from Hick’s Gulch to Walker Gulch on the north side of the Klamath River.
Highway 96 between Scott River Road and Walker Gulch including Hamburg remains open but, motorists should expect ongoing temporary closures along Highway 96 as needed.
Advisory evacuations remain issued for residents along Highway 96 west from Walker Gulch; including the community of Seiad Valley, and along the Seiad Creek Road from Seiad Valley to Panther Gulch.
Scott Bar remains under an evacuation advisory.

Today, firefighters continued to mop-up and hold lines around the fire, and prepared for increased fire activity once the inversion lifted in the late afternoon. Strategic low-intensity firing operations continued on the indirect fireline on the north side of the fire and along Buckhorn Ridge. Structure assessment continued along Highway 96 corridor.

Tonight, on the west and east flanks of the fire, crews continue to mop-up and hold lines around the fire. On the north side, firefighters will continue with strategic low-intensity firing operations to minimize the effects of fire; while other crews will continue to patrol and mop-up areas already completed. On the south side, crews will work to hold existing control lines to keep the fire north of the Klamath River.  Structure defense teams will be working along Highway 96 to provide support and protection to those communities.

Highway 96 is currently open, temporary hard closures are possible as crews respond to areas of need overnight. Please drive cautiously and be aware that firefighters and vehicles could be along roadways at any time.

September 4, 2016 at 10:39 AM

• There will be a public meeting this afternoon, September 4, at the Seiad Valley Fire Department at 4:00 p.m.
• Mandatory evacuations remain in place this morning for both sides of Highway 96 between Scott River Road and Walker Gulch including Hamburg.
• Mandatory evacuations remain for residences on Ladd Road west from Hick’s Gulch to Walker Gulch on the north side of the Klamath River.
• The hard closure for Highway 96 between Scott River Road and Walker Gulch including Hamburg has been lifted but motorists should expect ongoing temporary closures along Highway 96.
• Advisory evacuations remain issued for residents along Highway 96 west from Walker Gulch; including the community of Seiad Valley, and along the Seiad Creek Road from Seiad Valley to Panther Gulch.
• Scott Bar remains under an evacuation advisory.
• No additional structures have been damaged or destroyed by the Gap Fire since the initial fire activity on August 28, 2016.

After a quiet day yesterday, fire activity picked up in the evening as the inversion lifted. Spotting occurred south of the Klamath River and north of Highway 96 near residences, prompting fire managers to request a mandatory evacuation and road closure for the area. The spots were extinguished in the evening, and firefighters were able to hold the fire north of Highway 96. While the road is currently open, temporary hard closures are likely as crews respond to events like this.

Aside from earlier activity, the fire was relatively quiet overnight. Crews made good progress preparing line for firing operations on the northern most section of the fire, on road system south of the Pacific Crest Trail. They will fire that line as conditions permit today. Firefighters maintained good containment around the east and west sides of the fire overnight.

Priorities today are to mop up and hold lines around the fire, and to prepare for anticipated fire activity as the inversion lifts in the late afternoon. Low-intensity firing operations are planned to continue (should conditions permit) on the indirect fireline on the north side of the fire and along Buckhorn Ridge. Structure assessment will continue along the Highway 96 corridor.

A Forest Closure is in effect for areas affected by the Gap Fire on the Klamath National Forest. The Beaver Creek Road is closed at the intersection with West Beaver Creek Road (47N01). This change allows public access east on the Beaver Creek Road (48N01).

The cause of the Gap Fire is still under investigation. If you have information pertaining to the fire investigation, please contact the US Forest Service Tipline for the Klamath National Forest at 530-841-4474.

September 3, 2016 at 10:16 AM

• Due to an increase in fire activity, mandatory evacuations have been issued for residences on Ladd Road west from Walker Gulch to Hick’s Gulch north of the Klamath River.
• Advisory evacuations have been issued for residents along Highway 96 between Hamburg and Seiad Valley, for the community of Seiad Valley, and along the Seiad Creek Road from Seiad Valley to Panther Gulch. Hamburg remains under evacuation advisory as well.
• No structures have been damaged or destroyed by the Gap Fire since the initial fire activity on August 28, 2016.
• Highway 96 is currently open with no traffic controls. However, drivers are cautioned that as the fire approaches the road, temporary closures may be necessary to protect public and firefighter safety.

A structure protection group has been assigned in Hamburg and along the Highway 96 corridor. Residents and motorists should be aware of firefighting personnel and equipment in the area and along Highway 96.

The fire remained active overnight in the area along Highway 96 and the Klamath River. Firefighters successfully held it north of the highway. The western and eastern flanks of the fire remained relatively quiet, and crews continued work to secure the line to at least 200’ from the fire’s edge. They completed firing operations around the Mapleseden Ranch. On the northern edge of the fire, dozers continued to open old lines and to widen and clear brush from existing roads.

The priority today is to continue to hold the fire at the Klamath River, and to complete structure assessments and provide structure defense as necessary. Fire personnel will be in the Hamburg area talking to residents.

A Forest Closure is in effect for areas affected by the Gap Fire on the Klamath National Forest. A slight modification was made to the closure today; the Beaver Creek Road is now closed at the intersection with West Beaver Creek Road (47N01). This change allows public access east on the Beaver Creek Road (48N01).

September 2, 2016 at 10:27 AM

Firefighters were successful last night, holding the fire and beginning mop up around Robinson Gulch. Firing operations across the north side of the fire (northwest of White Cloud Mountain and across the Middle Doggett Forest Road #12) were successful, and by this morning crews were mopping up. They completed some strategic firing for structure protection, and dozers continued to work north from White Cloud Mountain toward the Pacific Crest Trail. The fire had been very active in the northeast corner through the Buckhorn Creek drainage, but there was no major push last night.

Dozers will also work up the Beaver Fire scar toward Dry Lake to tie into the road system and complete indirect fireline on the northeast corner of the fire. The eastern edge of the fire (in the 2014 Beaver Fire scar) has remained relatively cool for the past few days, and remained inactive overnight, with no heat detected within 100 feet of the perimeter. Most activity overnight was along the southern edge of the fire (North of Highway 96). Fire did reach the river in some places, and crews worked successfully to hold it there.

Fire was also active along O’Neill Ridge, and crews today will prioritize working on constructing line in that area. During day shift, firefighters will continue to hold and mop up in areas with completed line, and to scout for more direct suppression opportunities on the northern edge of the fire. Structure protection remains in place where necessary, and a priority today is to protect a large telecommunications tower located south of ONeill Ridge. If conditions are favorable today, crews will carefully continue to take fire down toward Highway 96

September 2, 2016 at 8:40 AM

Fire activity was greatly moderated yesterday with the lack of clearing skies due to smoke trapped under the inversion layer. As the temperatures dropped and humidity increased last night, the fire activity became minimal. Crews took advantage of favorable conditions and began tactical firing operations to help secure the fires edge. Mop up and patrol of existing lines continued on most areas of the fire.

Weather was mild with overnight temperatures in the 40’s and humidity recovery up to 85%. Winds generally remained strong throughout the operational period; however, are expected to diminish from the mid teens to around 4-8mph. A more stagnant weather pattern is expected over the next few days, and temperatures will remain around 5 degrees lower than normal.

September 1, 2016 at 9:06 PM
Today, a weak low pressure trough passed through late in the day and brought light to moderate winds. Heavy smoke and a cloud inversion layer over the fire kept activity moderate throughout most of the day. When the inversion lifted, a 2 acre slop over was observed along the southern edge of the fire. Firefighters on the ground were able to quickly contain it with the help of helicopters this evening.

Tonight, firefighters are working to mop-up and maintain control lines on the west and northwest side of the fire. Crews are continuing to build fireline north from White Cloud Mountain and north from the 2014 Beaver Fire towards the Pacfiic Crest Trail. They are establishing containment line north towards Dry Lake along Buckhorn Ridge building off of existing control line on the east side of the fire. On the south side, firefighters are working to hold existing control lines and continue to keep the fire north of Highway 96. On the southwest, crews continue to hold existing control lines around Shutts Gulch with strategic firing operations as needed and when safe to do so. Fire crews are protecting structures throughout the fire area as necessary.

Highway 96 is now open, with controlled, piloted traffic through the fire area. Burned material, rocks, and vegetation loosened by the fire may roll onto the road and drivers are urged to use extreme caution. The road could be closed at any time, should fire conditions change.

September 1, 2016 at 7:29 PM

Fire activity was moderated today. The weak trough that was expected didn’t arrive until later in the day. Winds over night will peak at 10 – 15 mph out of the northwest after midnight.

September 1, 2016 at 6:53 PM

Little growth on the fire today. Firefighters now have achieved 10% containment. More soon.

September 1, 2016 at 9:53 AM

Firefighters made good progress overnight, tactically firing to containment lines off Forest Road 47N77 (west of Robinson Gulch) to prevent fire spread to the west. The northwest side of the fire (from Robinson Gulch to White Cloud Mountain and east toward Doggett Middle Road—also known as Forest Road 12 ) was active overnight, but held within constructed dozer lines. Crews continued to reopen and re-establish dozer lines from the Beaver Fire northeast toward the Pacific Crest Trail and along the east side of the fire. The northeast side of the fire (toward Buckhorn Ridge) was active overnight, pushing toward dozer lines. Spots on the southeastern corner of the fire over Highway 96 in the Everill Creek area continued to hold overnight. The fire continued to back toward the river overnight. Crews on Johnny O’Neill Ridge made good progress building dozer containment line.

Increased northwesterly winds are predicted for later today, and priorities during day shift will be to strengthen lines below Seiad Low Gap down to O’Neill Ridge and along Forest Road 47N77 into Salt Gulch. As part of the effort to contain the fire along the south perimeter, firefighters are using boats to cross the Klamath River.

Highway 96 is now open, with controlled, piloted traffic through the fire area. Burned material, rocks, and vegetation loosened by the fire may roll onto the road and drivers are urged to use extreme caution. The road could be closed at any time, should fire conditions change.

The cause of the Gap Fire is still under investigation. If you have information pertaining to the fire investigation, please contact the US Forest Service Tipline for the Klamath National Forest at 530-841-4474.

September 1, 2016 at 7:08 AM

Significant fire activity continued late in the evening, diminishing into the night as the humidity increased from a stronger marine layer. Short crown fire runs and isolated torching were visible. A small spot fire was found early in the morning yesterday, and fire crews were able to line the spot before becoming largely established.

August 31, 2016 at 11:06 PM

Today the fire was active and continued to back down on the north side of the Klamath River with no new spots occurring. Fire continues to spread north of White Cloud Mountain. The fire is holding on the southeast edge as crews continue to strengthen lines further north. Additionally, the fireline is holding on the west side as crews continued to strengthen containment lines.

Tonight, crews will work to hold constructed lines around Schutt’s Gulch. They will continue to scout and construct line toward Johnny O’Neill Ridge working eastward to protect the structures outside of Seiad Valley should fire move in that direction in the coming days. On the north side of the fire, crews will continue to improve established line along Forest Road 47N77 toward Seiad Low Gap and to build line northeast toward the Horse Creek drainage. They will work to open and re-establish and construct new dozer lines north from Highway 96 (at Monument Gulch) along the Buckhorn Ridge to contain the fire on the east, and to hold fire on the north side of the highway. Mop up continues along Horse Creek and Middle Creek Roads.

August 31, 2016 at 8:06 AM

Significant fire activity was observed late yesterday evening, similar to previous nights. Fire continues to spread south toward Hwy 96 and north in the area of White Cloud Mountain. A small portion of the eastern flank has reached the western edge of the 2014 Beaver Fire. Several spot fires occurred across Hwy 96 near Horse Creek. Fire crews worked through the night to contain those spot fires.

A low pressure system has moved over the west coast and will help bring cooler conditions and slightly higher humidity to the area Wednesday. Clouds may begin to develop throughout the day; however, no precipitation is expected over the next few days. Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 70’s to low 80’s, and an inversion layer will remain in the deeper valleys, trapping smoke much of the day.

August 30, 2016 at 8:42 PM

The fire was active in Buckhorn Creek Drainage, Robinson Gulch, and Sambo Gulch, with most growth occurring northeast of the fire and that activity is expected to continue into the evening. Firefighters worked today to continue building line into Salt Gulch. Firefighters also scouted and constructed fireline from White Cloud Mountain west toward the Horse Creek Drainage.

Current operational objectives are to keep the fire north of Highway 96 between Seiad and Horse Creeks, south of the Siskyou Crest, East of Seiad Creek, and west of the footprint of the 2014 Beaver Fire. Firefighters continue to mop up around structures in the Middle Creek and Horse Creek areas.

Tonight, with cooler weather expected for the area and anticipated higher humidity, firefighters will work to continue line construction into Robinson Gulch with potential strategic firing operations planned in that area if weather conditions permit. Additionally, on the north and east side of the fire, crews are continuing to construct fireline while scouting the area to tie in to the 2014 Beaver Fire. On the south side, firefighters are working to hold existing lines keeping the fire north of Highway 96 while continuing to mop up the contained spot fire south of the highway.

There are NO mandatory evacuations at this time. All have been reduced to advisory. The previous advisory evacuations remain in effect.

Structures in the fire area continue to be assessed, and property owners are aware of damage to their properties. Nine structures, along with twelve outbuildings, were destroyed by the Gap Fire on the evening of August 27, 2016.

Highway 96 is now open, with controlled, piloted traffic through the fire area. Burned material, rocks, and vegetation loosened by the fire may roll onto the road and drivers are urged to use extreme caution. The road could be closed at any time, should fire conditions change.

August 30, 2016 at 7:19 PM

Significant fire activity was observed today similar to previous days. Fire continues to spread south toward Highway 96 and north in the area of White Cloud Mountain. A small portion of the eastern flank has reached the western edge of the 2014 Beaver Fire. The 50 acre spot at Highway 96 / Horse Creek is contained.

There are NO mandatory evacuations at this time. All have been reduced to advisory. The previous advisory evacuations remain in effect.

An evacuation shelter has been established at the Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds, 1712 Fairlane Rd in Yreka. Large animals may also be taken to this location.

One way controlled traffic is in place on CA Hwy 96 in the community of Horse Creek, and delays should be expected.

A Public Fire Information meeting is scheduled for tomorrow, August 31st at the Scott Bar Community Hall at 6:00pm

August 30, 2016 at 8:59 AM

The fire was active around its perimeter overnight, with most growth occurring on the southern flank of the fire and that activity continues this morning. Firefighters on night crew worked to catch spot fires near Howards Gulch and to provide structure protection in the Middle Creek area.  Crews also worked to continue the direct line construction begun by yesterday’s day shift into Robinson Gulch.

Today, crews will continue building line into Robinson Gulch, with potential strategic firing operations planned in that area if weather conditions permit. Firefighters will also scout and construct fireline from White Cloud Mountain west toward the Horse Creek Drainage and east toward Middle Creek, as well as west from Buckhorn Ridge toward Middle Creek. Current operational objectives are to keep the fire north of Highway 96 between Seiad and Horse Creeks, south of the Siskiyou Crest, East of Seiad Creek, and west of the footprint of the 2014 Beaver Fire. Firefighters continue in place to provide structure protection.

Cooler weather is expected for the fire area, and anticipated higher humidity may help crews today. A slight chance of thunderstorms is predicted for this morning.

All evacuations remain in place. Structures in the fire area continue to be assessed, and property owners are aware of damage to their properties. Nine structures, along with twelve outbuildings, were destroyed by the Gap Fire on the evening of August 27, 2016. Highway 96 is now open, with controlled, piloted traffic through the fire area. Burned material, rocks, and vegetation loosened by the fire may roll onto the road and drivers are urged to use extreme caution. The road could be closed at any time, should fire conditions change.

August 30, 2016 at 8:51 AM

Significant fire activity with pryo cumulus development occurred in the area of Maple Gulch on the north side of the fire. Fire growth was mainly to the north and east side of the fire. The 50 acre spot fire on the south side of Hwy 96 is holding. Evacuations remain in place. Hwy 96 is open with controlled traffic in the fire area.

Drivers are urged to use extreme caution because burned material, rocks, and vegetation, loosened by the fire, may roll onto the road. The road may be closed at any time, should fire conditions change.

Firefighters will continue to maintain current containment lines, as well as scout for opportunities to construct both direct and indirect line. Structure defense remains in place around the community of Horse Creek.

August 29, 2016 at 7:33 PM

Extreme fire behavior, wind driven runs, with flanking and backing in steep terrain with difficult access. Good progress was made on the 50 acres spot fire on the south side of Hwy 96 at Horse Creek Road. Evacuations remain in place. Hwy 96 remains closed in both directions. Threat remains to private timber lands, utilities, threatened/endangered species and historic cultural resources.

Two public meetings for the Gap Fire will be held this week. Fire management personnel, as well as Forest officials, will provide an operational update and be available to answer questions pertaining to the fire situation.

Meeting Locations:

Tuesday, August 30th at 6:00 pm.
Seiad Valley Fire Department

Wednesday, August 31st at 6:00
Scott Bar Community Hall

August 29, 2016 at 3:09 PM

A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for the Horse Creek and Hamburg communities, and a pre-evacuation was issued for the community of Scott Bar.

An evacuation shelter has been established at the Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds, 1712 Fairlane Rd in Yreka. Large animals may also be taken to this location.

Highway 96 is now open with controlled, piloted traffic through the fire area. Drivers are urged to use extreme caution because burned material, rocks, and vegetation, loosened by the fire, may roll onto the road. The road may be closed at any time, should fire conditions change.

The cause of the Gap fire is under investigation. Anyone who has information on the cause of the fire is asked to contact U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement investigators at 530 841 4474. Please leave a message on the recorded line, along with a call back number, and an Officer will get back to you as soon as possible. Or you may contact the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 530 841 2900 and the information will be relayed.

August 29, 2016 at 7:28 AM

Fire grew rapidly overnight and is threatening residences, Hwy 96, Forest Service Road Systems and commercial timber holdings. Evacuations remain in place. Fire has spotted across Horse Creek, where there has been no recorded fire history in the past 50 years. NORCAL Team 2 assumed command 8/29 0600.

August 28, 2016 at 4:18 PM

The Gap Fire is north of Highway 96 and 5 miles east of the town of Seiad, burning on the top of O’Neil Ridge, into the Seiad Creek and Horse Creek drainages. Resources responded to the scene Sunday evening and began initial attack activities.

Fire behavior is described as active with uphill runs, spotting and active backing. Due to the growth of the fire, steep terrain, and difficult conditions, the US Forest Service has ordered additional air and ground resources, including Rick Young’s Type 2 Incident Management Team, which is scheduled to in brief this evening and take over the fire Monday morning. They will manage the fire from Happy Camp. The cause of the Gap Fire is under investigation.