Klamathon, Siskiyou

Klamathon, Siskiyou Unit, Cal Fire. Two miles southeast of Hornbrook, CA. Timber, chaparral, and tall grass. Minimal fire behavior. Trail closures in effect.

Klamathon Fire Morning Update 7.11.18 #KlamathonFire @swofire @JCSO_Oregon @SiskiyouSheriff pic.twitter.com/MCHTuKPqU9

— CAL FIRE SKU (@CALFIRESKU) July 11, 2018

July 11, 2018 at 8:14 AM

Control Objectives
-Keep the fire SOUTH of Siskiyou Crest
-Keep the fire EAST of Empire Creek
-Keep the fire WEST of Ager Road in the South and the Iron Gate Reservoir on the North end.
-In the SOUTH, keep the fire in the current perimeter

Minimal fire behavior was observed last night with the same behavior anticipated today. The fire continues to burn in the Horseshoe Ranch Wildlife area, the Soda Mountain Wilderness and Klamath National Forest. Fire activity will be isolated to Northern flank of the fire. Crews will continue to reinforce current direct lines and will extend direct line construction while also establishing indirect line on the North end of the fire with crews and dozers. Dozers will continue to reinforce contingency line on the North and Northeast perimeter of the fire. The Horseshoe Ranch Wildlife Area, Soda Mountain Wilderness and Cascade Siskiyou National Monument are difficult areas to access and will remain threatened until crews can make access and complete line to the North.

Weather Discussion: Winds will follow a similar daily pattern this operational period, beginning more northeasterly, then shifting through the day to become northerly, then northwesterly. Ridgetop winds again look to gust to around 20 MPH and lower elevations to 15 MPH. Areas featuring water and complex terrain will see localized temperature and wind patterns emerge.

On Thursday, high pressure’s control over the area becomes more firm. Afternoon temperatures will generally range in the 90s to lower 1 00s. After a slightly more modest moisture recovery overnight, look for relative humidity to fall into the upper single digits and teens by afternoon. Looking further out, the heat continues, and there will be some potential for isolated thunderstorms Friday through Sunday. Any thunderstorms that would develop will likely be on the dry side with dry lightning strikes and gusty outflow winds the most likely hazards.

July 10, 2018 at 8:00 PM

Sheriff’s Office Update On Klamathon Fire-related Fatality

On Thursday, July 5, 2018 at approximately 12:31 p.m., the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office(SCSO) received reports of a vegetation fire in the vicinity of Klamathon Road in the Hornbrook area of Siskiyou County. The fire spread in a northwesterly direction and jumped the Klamath River, destroying approximately 82 structures and burning 36,500 acres to date. The fire forced the evacuation of Hornbrook, Hilt, Klamath River Country Estates, Copco, Iron Gate Estates, and-surrounding areas.

On Monday, July 9, 2018, canines alerted to “cadavers” while inspecting a structure suspected to have been destroyed by the Klamathon Fire. After a preliminary investigation by the SCSO and investigators from CAL FIRE, no evidence of a deceased body was located in the rubble of the structure.

According to Sheriff Jon Lopey, “The SCSO’s forensic technician and CAL FIRE investigators examined the rubble of the destroyed structure and found no indications of a deceased person.” SCSO will continue investigating the results of the canine alerts.

Thus far, one earlier fire-related fatality has been confirmed. The deceased was located near a Hornbrook residence that was heavily damaged by fire. An autopsy is being conducted on July11, 2018, to assist investigators in determining the cause and manner of death. It may take several weeks to conclusively determine the cause of death, pending the return of toxicology and related reports. The positive identification of the deceased is still pending confirmation,but investigators are making progress through various forensic analyses.

This incident is still under investigation and anyone with information is urged to contact the SCSO’s 24-hour Dispatch Center at 530-841-2900.

July 10, 2018 at 7:57 PM

Evacuation orders have been lifted within California. Evacuations remain in effect from the California/Oregon border along I5 to the Mt Ashland Ski Rd., then East to the Jackson/ Klamath County line.Threats continue for power infastructure, private timberlands,and sensitive fish and wildlife habitat. The Pacific Crest Trail remains closed in the Soda Mountain Wilderness area, from I5 NE to Hwy 66 in Jackson County OR.

SOME EVACUATION ORDERS LIFTED IN KLAMATHON FIRE AREA
WHEN: Effective Immediately
WHERE: Community of Hornbrook- All evacuation orders/warnings have been lifted.
COMMUNITY OF HORNBROOK HAS NO RUNNING WATER AND NO ETA
Community of Hilt in California- All evacuation orders/warnings have been lifted in California.
Community of Colestin in Oregon- Evacuation level has been changed from a Level 2 (Be Set), to Level 1 (Be Ready).
East Iron Gate Reservoir Estates- All evacuation orders have been lifted for the area South of Irongate Reservoir/Klamath River, North of Ager Beswick Road, East of Desavado Road, and West of Copco Bridge.
Copco Lake Area – Areas East of Jenny/Fall Creek, South of the Oregon State line, North of Copco Road, and West of Topsey Grade evacuation order has been downgraded to evacuation warning.
Klamath River Country Estates- All evacuation warnings are lifted.
WHAT: Evacuation Orders Lifted
NOTES: Fire personnel are still active in the area. Please reduce speeds and drive with caution. Access will be limited to residents only, no other public access will be granted at this time.

Residents that have large animals being sheltered at the Siskiyou County Fairgrounds please follow the following requests:
• Hours of Animal Pickup are 10a.m.- 6p.m.
• Confirm that your property is ready to receive your animal prior to pick up
• There are a lot of operations still going on and people to serve so please be patient if you do not get the most prompt service
• Please follow the designated roadside instructions for animal pick-up at the Fairgrounds

Fire personnel are still active in the area. Please reduce speeds and drive with caution. Access will be limited to residents only, no other public access will be granted at this time.
For additional information on returning home after a wildfire, go to: http://www.readyforwildfire.org/After-a-Wildfire/

July 10, 2018 at 6:44 AM

Control Objectives

-Keep the fire EAST of Empire Creek
-Keep the fire WEST of Ager Road in the South and the Iron Gate Reservoir on the North end.
-Keep the fire NORTH of Paradise Craggy Lookout
-Keep the fire SOUTH of Siskiyou Crest

Weather outlook: Near persistent conditions are anticipated through the operational period with respect to temperatures and relative humidity. Winds will be noticeably weaker across the incident with ridgetop winds gusting around 20 MPH and lower elevations gusting around 15 MPH.

On Wednesday, high pressure will begin to build over the area. This will result in an extended period of hot and dry conditions across the area through the weekend. Afternoon temperatures will generally range in the 90s to lower 100s with Thursday likely the warmest day. Relative humidity is expected to drop into the teens and even single digits each afternoon with modest overnight recoveries. By Friday, some mid-level monsoonal moisture is expected to move into the area. This will result in the possibility of isolated thunderstorms in and around the fire Friday through Sunday. Any thunderstorms that would develop will likely be on the dry side with dry lightning strikes and gusty outflow winds the most likely hazards.

July 9, 2018 at 7:26 PM

Continued evacuations for the communities of Hornbrook, Hilt, Colestin, Iron Gate Estates and Klamath River County Estates. Threats persist to power infrastructure, private timber, railways and sensitive fish and wildlife habitat. The Pacific Crest Trail has been closed in the Soda Mountain Wilderness area.

July 9, 2018 at 7:56 AM

Continued evacuations for the communities of Hornbrook, Hilt, Colestin, Iron Gate Estates and Klamath River County Estates. Threats persist to power infrastructure, private and public timber, railways and sensitive fish and wildlife habitat.

Moderate fire behavior is expected for this morning and this afternoon. The Klamath River Country Estates continue to be threatened. The West and North flank will continue to have short range spotting in the timber stands when strong ridge top winds surface in the afternoons; this continues to threaten the communities of Hilt, Colestin and Jackson County, OR.

The southern flank should hold North of the Klamath River and in the town of Hornbrook. Completed line on the east flank will mitigate the threat to Iron Gate Reservoir Estates. Fire activity will be isolated to the West and Northern flanks. These flanks are in timber and in upper elevations. The communities of Hilt and Colestin along with the Horseshoe Ranch Wildlife Area, Klamath Forest, Soda Mountain Wilderness and Cascade Siskiyou National Monument will be threatened.

July 9, 2018 at 7:09 AM

Control Objectives:

-Keep the fire EAST of Empire Creek
-Keep the fire WEST of Ager Road in the South and the Iron Gate Reservoir on the North end.
-Keep the fire NORTH of Paradise Craggy Lookout
-Keep the fire SOUTH of Siskiyou Crest

A weak upper level trough will pass north of the fire today. The main impact of this system will be to increase winds. Winds will shift from a southeasterly direction in the morning to a southwesterly direction early this afternoon then northwesterly late this afternoon and tonight. Wind speeds will be higher than experienced the last couple of days with the strongest winds likely across Division T and to a lesser extent across Division U. Otherwise, persistent temperatures can be expected with slightly higher relative humidity.

A noticeable warming trend is expected from Wednesday through Saturday. Additionally, there will be an increase in mid-level monsoonal moisture by Friday and Saturday which could produce an isolated thunderstorm on and around the fire perimeter.

Weak morning inversion should have little affect on air operations.

July 8, 2018 at 6:40 PM

A much weaker inversion developed over the fire this morning. dissipating by noon. With clearer skies, temperatures were a few degrees warmer and relative humidity a bit lower. Typical winds prevailed with northwesterly winds at the ridges and terrain-driven winds at lower elevations. On Monday, a weak trough will pass to the north, bringing stronger winds to the fire Monday afternoon and Monday night Today’s max temp was 88 with a minimum RH of 16% winds NW 18mph with gust of 16mph. Tonight. minimum temps will drop to 51 with max RH of 65%; winds NNE at 4mph.

Moderate fire behavior with difficult and steep terrain. The south and east flank lines were completed and have held for 16hours. North/west wind is predicted for the next 72 hours with a temperature increase. Up Valley winds will create erratic fire behavior on the slopes. Progress is being made in the north and west flanks but it is slow because of terrain and spotting in timber. The communities of Hilt and Colestin and Jackson County, OR. continue to be threatened.

July 8, 2018 at 5:50 PM

A great insight from Cal Fire IMT 4’s Fire Behavior Analyst, known as an FBAN, on how fire behavior is analyzed and utilized to help manage the fire incidents tactics and strategies along with valuable knowledge for firefighters on the ground. pic.twitter.com/ss7vTSWwk8

— CAL FIRE SKU (@CALFIRESKU) July 9, 2018

July 8, 2018 at 2:58 PM

Additional evacuation orders issued due to Klamathon Fire

Firefighters are continuing to make progress building fire line through steep, rugged terrain and challenging conditions. However, after a thorough assessment of the area in Jackson County, north of the Oregon-California border, the following evacuation notifications will be put into effect immediately.

The following area in Jackson County will be placed at a Level 3 (red) “Go” evacuation notice:

– The area east of Interstate 5, covering Bureau of Land Management lands and private properties west of the Jackson-Klamath County line, north of the Oregon-California border, and south of a line that extends from the intersection of I-5 and the Mount Ashland Ski Road due east to the Jackson-Klamath County line.

The following areas in Jackson County will be placed at a Level 2 (yellow) “Be Set” evacuation notice:

– The area east of Interstate 5, covering Bureau of Land Management lands and private properties west of the Jackson-Klamath County line, north of the line that extends from the intersection of I-5 and the Mount Ashland Ski Road due east to the Jackson-Klamath County line (the Level 3 evacuation line), north to Highway66.

As a reminder, the following areas in Jackson County are currently at a Level 3 (red) “Go” evacuation notice:

– The Colestin Valley including the Colestin Road and all its tributaries from the Oregon-California border to the Mount Ashland Ski Road.

– Old Highway 99 from the Oregon-California border to the Mount Ashland Ski Road.

In addition, the following areas will remain at a Level 2 yellow) “Be Set” evacuation notice:

– The Mount Ashland Ski Road from Mount Ashland down to Old Highway 99.- Old Highway 99 to just Callahan’s Lodge.

Please note, while we do not anticipate the fire activity to pick up and/or spread north further into Oregon, we want to do our best to serve the community by ensuring public and firefighter safety in case conditions do change. For those seeking additional information on the Jackson County evacuation levels, please visit: www.rvem.org. For those searching for information regarding shelters and animal evacuations, please call the #KlamathonFire Information line: (530) 842-2266.

July 8, 2018 at 12:52 PM

Smoke Outlook: Klamathon Fire Issued for: Sunday, July 08, 2018

Fire Activity: Fire continues to make short range runs when wind and slopes align, with occasional isolated group tree torching. Areas of grassy fuels are consuming quickly, and responding to suppression efforts. Fire resources are continuing to make progress along the perimeter, utilizing roads and grassy fuel areas when possible.

Smoke: South and southwest winds are pushing the smoke from the fire to the North and Northwest at this time. The smoke is very visible from major highways, and will likely reduce visibility and travel speeds on all roadways in the area near the fire. Expect small particles of ash and falling debris to accumulate on windshields and filters near Yreka and homes around the fire. Night time cooling will cause the smoke to settle into the valleys and drainages, with minimal improvement in conditions expected through most of Sunday. Reduced air movement will cause a limited regional haze to settle into the area, reducing sight distance.

July 8, 2018 at 9:07 AM

Control objectives for today:

-Keep the fire EAST of Empire Creek
-Keep the fire WEST of Ager Road in the South and the Iron Gate Reservoir on the North end.
-Keep the fire NORTH of Paradise Craggy Lookout
-Keep the fire SOUTH of Siskiyou Crest

Moderate fire behavior with uphill runs and short range spotting was observed overnight with good overnight humidity recovery. The fire continues to burn moderately to the southeast and continues to spread into the Klamath National Forest. The fire is well-established in the Horseshoe Ranch Wildlife Area and private timber stands . The south flank of the fire is threatening the Osburger Cabin Cultural Site, as well as the Verizon communication site on Horn Peak. The fire continues to threaten the communities of Hornbrook, CA, Hilt, CA, and Colestin, OR. Approximately 600 homes in these areas remain threatened. The east flank is threatening two power plants at Iron Gate Reservoir and Copco Lake Reservoir. Water systems for the communities of Yreka and Hornbrook are currently threatened. Endangered species habitats are threatened on the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument and Soda Mountain Wilderness. The Central Oregon and Pacific Railroad, Inc. is currently threatened.

Weather forecast: A strong inversion is expected this morning with the inversion expected to dissipate in the early afternoon hours. Afternoon high temperatures will be a little warmer with an associated decrease in relative humidity. For tonight, relative humidity recovery will be good. As for winds, gusty northwest to north winds are expected this afternoon and evening across the ridges and upper slopes while typical terrain-driven winds are anticipated at lower levels.

For next week, relatively persistent conditions are anticipated through Tuesday with a warming trend for the second half of the week.

Fire behavior: Winter precipitation in this area was 50% of normal, but fell at the right time to cause a heavy grass crop. Fuel moisture in the live brush fuels is slightly below normal for this time of year. Manzanita fuel moisture is 80% which is considered critical. The Energy Release Component of the National Fire Danger Rating System is 73 (97th percentile). Probability of ignition near 100% mid-afternoon in full sun. Day length nearly 15 hours. Fire very active from 1400-2000.

July 7, 2018 at 8:20 AM

Control objectives for today:

-Keep the fire East of Shaft Rock
-Keep the fire West of Ager Rd
-Keep the fire North of Paradise Craggy Lookout
-Keep the fire South of Siskiyou Crest

Weather forecast: Winds will shift to the north to northwest over the fire and remain so through much of the next week. Expect mostly clear, warm and dry conditions with breezy afternoon winds to continue for much of the week, with very warm temperatures mid to late next week. Inversions are expected each night, but they should break by roughly 9 or 10 AM each day. No rain is likely over the next week, but some isolated thunderstorms may be possible in the region next weekend.

Fire behavior: Winter precipitation in this area was 50% of normal. Fuel moisture in the live brush fuels is slightly below normal for this time of year. Manzanita fuel moisture is 80% which is considered critical. The energy release component of the National Fire Danger Rating System is approaching historic high for this date. Probability of ignition near 100% mid afternoon in full sun. Day length nearly 15 hours.

The North end of the fire has crossed the California/Oregon state line. CAL FIRE IMT-4 (DERUM), the Siskiyou County Sheriff Department and Oregon Department of Forestry are managing the incident under Unified Command..

July 6, 2018 at 8:07 PM

Extreme fire behavior with movement in multiple directions. There is a high potential for spread into the Klamath National Forest, Rogue River – Siskiyou National Forest and Jackson County, OR, as well as private timber lands.

The fire continues to burn to the East, Northeast, Northwest and West threatening the communities of Hornbrook, CA; Hilt, CA; and Colestin, OR. Approximately 350homes are immediately threatened in the communities of Hornbrook, Hilt, Colestin and Irongate Reservoir, and approximately 750 people have been evacuated.

Natural and cultural resources are threatened on the Klamath National Forest and the Rouge River-Siskiyou National Forest. Threatened and endangered species habitat are threatened on the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument and Soda Mountain Wilderness. CAL FIRE Black Mountain Repeater and Verizon cellular towers on Horn Peak are currently threatened.

Interstate 5 was reopened on 7/6/18 but remains threatened. Private timber land on the west side of the incident is currently threatened. The Yreka Western Railroad is currently threatened.

An evacuation shelter is open at the Jackson Street School. Street Elementary School, 405 Jackson St, Yreka, CA 96097 Ashland High School, 201 S Mountain Ave, Ashland, OR 97520.

Small Animals can be taken to Jackson Street Elementary shelter.

Large Animal Shelter: Siskiyou County Fairgrounds, 1712 Fairlane Rd, Yreka

July 6, 2018 at 7:50 PM

The fire burned through the community of Hornbrook with damage inspection initiated for the fire area. Multiple structures have been confirmed destroyed. Evacuations orders remain in place for the communities of Hornbrook, Hilt,Colestin and Irongate reservoir. Critical infrastructure threat includes communication towers, railways, private timber lands and threatened and endangered species habitat within state and national forest lands. I-5 is open to controlled traffic both directions within the fire area. CAL FIRE IMT-4 (DERUM) and Siskiyou County Sheriff Department are managing the incident under Unified Command.

July 6, 2018 at 6:08 PM

Fire is approximately 9,500 acres and 5% contained, according to the incident briefing.

July 6, 2018 at 10:36 AM

Caltrans: Interstate 5 is now OPEN without escort between Yreka and Ashland in the area of the #KlamathonFire . THIS IS FOR THROUGH TRAFFIC ONLY. Highway and fire conditions can change at any time. DUE to downed fences, please watch for livestock. EXPECT MAJOR DELAYS

July 6, 2018 at 8:09 AM

Extreme fire behavior with long range spotting observed. The fire has burned through the community of Hornbrook with an unknown number of commercial and residential buildings destroyed.

Evacuations remain in place for the communities of Hornbrook, Hilt, and Colestin.

Current threat to critical infrastructure includes railways, private timber lands and surrounding State and National Forests.

I-5 is open to controlled traffic both directions within the fire area. CAL FIRE IMT-4 (DERUM) will assume command at 1700 this evening.

July 5, 2018 at 11:50 PM

Mandatory evacuations for the town of Hornbrook, north of Copco Road. An Evacuation Order is in effect for Klamathon Rd from I-5 to ager and all Hornbrook City all the way to and including Hilt /Colestein Valley.

An evacuation shelter is open at the Jackson Street School. Large Animal shelter at Siskiyou Fairgrounds.

July 5, 2018 at 9:42 PM

The American Red Cross has opened an emergency shelter in Ashland for people displaced by the Klamathon Fire burning in Northern California.

Northbound SR 263 is currently CLOSED to prevent traffic from traveling north to try to access I-5 near Collier Rest Area. Southbound SR 263 is open to traffic coming from SR 96.

#Klamathon fire burning both sides of I-5 south of Hilt interchange. No ETA on when I-5 will reopen. I-5 closed SB at #Ashland. NB at #Yreka. pic.twitter.com/xSb1gG6vNc

— OregonDOT (@OregonDOT) July 6, 2018

July 5, 2018 at 9:39 PM

Multiple structures have been destroyed. Mandatory evacuations for the communities of Hornbrook, Hilt, and Colstin. Critical infrastructure is threatened, including The Pacific Power and Light Substation and the California AG Inspection Station. I-5 is closed in both directions from the Oregon border to the City of Yreka. CAL FIRE IMT-4 (DERUM) has been ordered.

The fire has jumped the Klamath River and is threatening the community of Hornbrook and additional structures North of the Klamath River.