McFarland, Shasta NF

McFarland, Shasta-Trinity NF, USFS. Transfer of command from IMT 2 (CA Team 11) back to the local unit will occur tomorrow. Four miles southeast of Wildwood, CA. Timber, chaparral and brush. Minimal fire behavior with smoldering. Area and trail closures in effect.

August 31, 2021 at 9:47 AM

Firefighters patrolled the fire area last night, and saw containment lines hold up against winds that gusted up to 46 mph in parts of the fire area.

Firefighters will continue to mop up, secure, and patrol the fire perimeter today.

Excess resources are now able to be redeployed to other local incidents that need assistance.

August 30, 2021 at 9:13 AM

Firefighters remained on the fire line last night in the Beegum Gorge area and continued to mop up and secure the perimeter in this portion of the fire. Unburned fuels within the containment line continued to smolder.

Fire behavior is expected to be limited on the incident today. The weather is expected to be hot, dry and windy today and could cause interior fuels within the containment line to burn and cause smoke from within the fire area to be seen. Firefighters will remain on patrol of the fire perimeter, perform mop up and remove excess equipment and trash from the fire area. The extended hot and dry weather will continue through today with minimum relative humidity around 10-12% and temperature to be in the mid 90’s. There will be elevated fire weather concerns with northwest winds expected to increase with gusts of 25-30 mph on ridges and in aligned drainages.

A damage assessment team has identified 24 residential structures and 22 other structures destroyed, and 1 residential structure damaged. The damage assessment is complete. To view the McFarland Fire structure status map please visit: https://arcg.is/1Pu8GW

August 29, 2021 at 9:40 AM

Overnight crews worked in the Beegum Gorge area to continue the progress. Smoldering stump holes and large dead down trees continue to burn out within the perimeter.

Limited fire behavior is expected on the incident today. Hot, dry and windy weather could cause a general increase in fire activity as unburned interior fuels within the containment line continue to burn. Areas with established containment lines will focus on mop-up and patrol of potential spot fires. Firefighters will continue to work on containment and backhaul all excess equipment on the fire line. Although there is 93% containment, the fuels are critically dry and adverse weather conditions have the potential for extreme fire behavior with rapid rates of spread and long-range spotting. The weather is expected to have temperatures with highs in the mid-90s and easterly up canyon winds gusting up to 20 mph. Minimum relative humidity will again fall to just below 10%.

As of 6:00 p.m. yesterday, August 28th, CAL FIRE transferred out of Unified Command with the Forest Service. California Interagency Incident Management Team 11 (CIIMT 11) returned to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest to take over management of the McFarland Fire from CIIMT 10.

A damage assessment team has identified 24 residential structures and 22 other structures destroyed, and 1 residential structure damaged. The damage assessment is complete. To view the McFarland Fire structure status map please visit: http://arcg.is/1Pu8GW

August 28, 2021 at 10:28 AM

Overnight, crews again worked primarily in Beegum Gorge and along Highway 36 mopping up and extinguishing any hot spots near containment lines and patrolled the rest of the fire.

Today, crews will continue to secure, mop up, and patrol the fire area. The evacuation orders and warnings related to the McFarland Fire in Shasta and Tehama Counties have been lifted, and repopulation will be occurring today. Please drive carefully as crews continue to work in the fire area. The Forest Closure Order for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest remains in place.

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 11 AM this morning. After some northeasterly influence today, the winds are expected to return to terrain dominated tonight. Temperatures will be warmer today with maximum temperatures reaching 93-97 degrees and relative humidity dropping to 10-13%.

August 27, 2021 at 8:28 PM

The McFarland Fire was observed from the air this morning on a reconnaissance flight, and all lines were holding and secure after being wind tested last night. Today, crews made more progress in Beegum Gorge with mop up on Noble Ridge. To the south in the wilderness area, the perimeter has not grown in the last five days. Crews have been working hard in this area to ensure there are no hot spots that would threaten the line. Equipment and personnel from the McFarland Fire assisted with an initial attack fire on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest today and were successful in stopping the forward progress of the new start.

The plan for tonight is to continue to patrol and mop up the perimeter. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect unit 11 a.m. tomorrow morning. The main concern tonight will be the northwest winds gusting to 25 mph with poor relative humidity recovery.

August 25, 2021 at 7:47 PM

In the western and northern areas of the fire today, crews continued to pull hose and excess equipment. Crews strengthened lines on Noble Ridge and down along Highway 36. All lines are secure and holding and mop up continues. Some additional firing was completed today to burn out some green islands inside of the perimeter.

Equipment was brought down from the contingency group and staged along Highway 36 just in case it was needed. All control lines are secure on the east side and backhaul continues. Minimal heat remains along the southern edge and crews continue to work in that area.

Tonight’s priority is to keep the fire within its current perimeter, and to continue mop up and patrol. Fire weather will be elevated tonight due to northwest winds with gusts up to 30 mph starting around 8 pm this evening.

August 25, 2021 at 8:15 AM

Overnight, crews were able to finish burning operations, completing solid containment lines in Beegum Gorge and patrolled the rest of the fire.

Today, crews will continue to strengthen lines in Beegum Gorge and along Highway 36. If conditions permit, they may burn out some green islands inside the perimeter. Firefighters will watch for and extinguish any hots spots near containment lines and mop up. In the western and northern areas of the fire, they continue to pull hose and excess equipment, and open roads in the interior of the fire. They will continue work on contingency line above Platina. Only minimal heat was detected along the southern edge, and crews will continue to mop up any heat that could threaten containment to the south.

Temperatures are expected to be similar today as they were yesterday, but a building high pressure to our west and a trough to our east could affect wind direction today. Crews will be paying close attention to the wind, which could become erratic and gusty this afternoon.

A damage assessment team has identified 24 residential structures and 22 other structures destroyed, and 1 residential structure damaged. The damage assessment is complete. To view the McFarland Fire structure status map please visit: https://arcg.is/1Pu8GW

August 24, 2021 at 7:57 AM

Conditions were favorable again overnight, and crews conducted successful burning operations along Noble Ridge to build containment. Work in Beegum Gorge will continue to be the priority for firefighters today. The fire showed little growth overnight and held well on containment lines. The northern edge of the fire has not grown in four days.

Today, crews on the northern end of the fire will continue to backhaul excess equipment and open interior roads by removing hazard trees. They are also working to construct a contingency line on the northern side of Highway 36 above the community of Platina across Knob Peak and to Arbuckle Mountain.

Mop up and patrol continues on the eastern side of the fire, and crews to the south continue to strengthen lines into the Wilderness.

The weather today is expected to be similar to yesterday, with light, terrain-driven winds. Temperatures are expected to begin to climb as a ridge of high pressure builds to the west of the fire area. Smoke inversion could moderate both temperature and visibility again today.

A damage assessment team has identified 24 residential structures and 22 other structures destroyed, and 1 residential structure damaged. Damage assessment is now complete. To view the McFarland Fire structure status map please visit: https://arcg.is/1Pu8GW

August 23, 2021 at 10:50 AM

Favorable conditions overnight allowed crews to successfully conduct careful burning operations down Noble Ridge from dozer line toward Beegum Creek. Firefighters used night-flying aircraft to help identify places of remaining heat, and only minimal fire behavior was observed around the rest of the fire.

Today, crews will prioritize completing containment lines around Beegum Gorge to further protect the structures there and in the community of Platina. They will strengthen lines on the southern edge of the fire near the Wilderness Boundary.

As fire activity slows and containment increases, crews are taking opportunities to start working on interior areas of the fire, opening roads that were compromised, snagging dead trees, and beginning the process of suppression repair. During suppression repair, roads and culverts that were damaged during the fire fight are repaired, and water bars are added to help prevent erosion during winter rain.

The weather today is expected to be similar to yesterday, with a light flow aloft that may push smoke to the east and allow for sunnier skies over the fire area. Winds are predicted to be light and terrain-driven.

August 22, 2021 at 8:00 PM

U.S. Forest Service – Shasta-Trinity National Forest and CAL FIRE Tehama-Glenn Unit remain in unified command of the fire. Today temperatures climbed up to the low 80s and minimum relative humidity dropped to around 26%. The wind pattern was diurnal with a few gusts to 18 mph.

Crews continued to mop up and patrol the north and northwestern edge of the fire, and interior roads were opened up to gain access to other areas of the fire. Helicopters continued to work today in Beegum Gorge to hold the fire down in Beegum Creek. On Nobel Ridge, dozer line is in place and plumbed with hose to keep the fire from spreading to the west. Crews are prepared to perform strategic firing in Beegum Gorge tonight if conditions are favorable to keep the fire within dozer lines on their terms. All fire line along Highway 36 is in mop up and patrol status.

On the southern perimeter the fire has reached dozer line and has not crossed, and in the wilderness area heat remains but not progressing. The fire on Tomhead Mountain is lined and mop up on the perimeter continues. Additional dozer line was constructed today north of Highway 36 for contingency lines.

August 22, 2021 at 9:56 AM

Light winds and good relative humidity recovery contributed to another quiet night on the McFarland Fire. Crews patrolled roads and mopped up hot spots when they were detected.

Today, crews will continue to prioritize work in Beegum Gorge and along Noble Ridge. Along the southern edge of the fire, crews have completed line north of Tomhead Mountain and near the boundary of the Yolla Bolly Wilderness. The fire below Tomhead Lookout is lined and holding secure.

Firefighters are beginning suppression repair on interior roads and dozer lines in the northern area, taking down hazard trees to allow access to the interior of the fire, and placing water bars to help prevent erosion in the future.

The weather today is expected to be similar to yesterday, with light, terrain-driven winds and temperatures slightly warmer than previous days. Without much air movement, a strong smoke inversion could lessen fire activity but would also inhibit aircraft use.

A damage assessment team has identified 11 residential structures and 14 other structures destroyed, and damage assessments are ongoing. To view the McFarland Fire structure status map please visit: https://arcg.is/1Pu8GW

August 21, 2021 at 8:14 PM

The McFarland Fire is holding and secure on the northwest perimeter. Crews are mitigating hazard trees and the fire remains south of Hwy 36. On Noble Ridge, dozer line is in place and plumbed with hose to keep the fire from spreading to the west, and in Beegum Creek the fire remains on the east side. On the northeast/eastern perimeter of the fire, line is secure and heavy logs are burning in the interior putting up smoke but not threatening the line. To the south, the fire has reached the dozer line and has not crossed. In the wilderness area the fire continues to slowly work downhill with heavy logs burning, and the fire on Tomhead Mountain is lined and holding secure.

August 21, 2021 at 11:53 AM

Lessened winds and a minor marine influence helped keep the fire relatively quiet overnight. Crews patrolled containment lines, finding and extinguishing any hotspots visible along the fire’s edge.

Today, crews will continue work along Noble Ridge to secure completed line and stop fire spread to the west, and to prioritize securing lines built to protect Platina and the structures in and around Beegum Gorge. They will carefully monitor and mop up any hot spots along Highway 36 and Vestal and Weemasoul Roads. To the south, the fireline near Tomhead Mountain is complete, and crews are continuing work along the southern edge, where the fire continues to grow slowly toward the Yolla Bolly Wilderness and the footprint of the Elkhorn Fire.

The weather today is predicted to be similar to yesterday, with potential for terrain-driven winds up to approximately 14 mph on ridgetops. Heavy smoke inversion may help relative humidity with a minimum range of 25-30%, but vegetation remains critically dry.

Damage assessment is ongoing, and release of information will be available in the next 48 hours.

August 20, 2021 at 8:55 AM

Winds picked up overnight pushing the fire in Beegum Gorge toward Highway 36 in a few places. Crews worked in that area to keep the fire south of the highway, but several spot fires were detected over the road. All spots were lined overnight, but crews today will watch carefully to ensure that no heat remains.

Today, crews will continue to prioritize structure protection in Beegum Gorge and Platina, and in keeping the fire on the south side of Highway 36. There will be continuing mop up on the eastern edge of the fire, where it is being held on the Vestal and Weemasoul Roads.

On the south end of the fire, crews will continue to work directly on the fire’s edge as possible where the fire has reached the boundary of the Yolla Bolly Wilderness, while also looking for opportunities to build indirect lines in that area.
The fire near Tomhead Mountain was determined to be a new fire, not a spot fire from the McFarland. Crews from the McFarland Fire will hold and improve line around that fire today.

The weather today is expected to be similar to yesterday, with light, terrain-driven winds pushing up canyon during the heat of the day. Gusty winds will likely surface again in the early evening, bringing with them the potential to push the fire to the southeast.

The U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE remain in unified command of the McFarland Fire.

August 19, 2021 at 8:11 PM

Crews had another successful day, as lighter winds helped moderate fire spread. The northern and northwestern edges of the fire continue to hold well. Firefighters are patrolling the area to ensure that lines remain secure. Containment lines are also successfully keeping the fire west of the Vestal and Weemasoul Roads, and firefighters continued to strengthen those lines today.

The fire was most active today around Beegum Gorge, where it continued to back into Beegum Creek. Aircraft was used extensively to help cool the fires edge, and it has been successfully held on the west side of the creek. Protection of structures in the Gorge and in Platina remain the highest priority.

The fire remained active on its southern end, where it has burned to the boundary of the Yolla Bolly Wilderness. Steep, inaccessible terrain continues to challenge firefighters. Tomorrow, crews will work to build containment lines south of Tomhead Mountain. Old dozer lines will also be reopened to help stop the fires southern spread.

Weather tomorrow is predicted to be hot and dry, with slightly decreased winds. Warm and dry conditions are expected to persist through the weekend.

August 19, 2021 at 8:33 AM

The fire was relatively quiet overnight, with lessening winds allowing for better humidity recovery. Firefighters patrolled along Highway 36 and in the Beegum Creek area to ensure that the fire stayed within constructed lines. They continued to mop up around Ball Road, further securing lines constructed by day shift.

Today, firefighters will prioritize protection of the community of Platina and the structures near Beegum Creek and on strengthening constructed lines on the eastern side of the fire. The fire was most active yesterday to the south, burning into the Yolla Bolly Wilderness. An approximately 30-acre spot near Tomhead Mountain has been completely lined. As of this morning the fire is hung up on a trail to the south, and crews will work to stop the fire there if conditions allow.

Winds are expected to still push primarily to the south/southwest but are not predicted to be as strong as the last few days. The Red Flag Warning remains in place for the fire area. Temperatures are expected to climb as we approach the weekend.

August 19, 2021 at 7:43 AM

The McFarland Fire continued to burn actively yesterday, with most growth seen on the southern side as the fire burned actively into the Yolla Bolly Wilderness.

Protection around structures in Platina and into the Beegum Creek area continued as well. Damage assessment teams continue to assess the fire area, and those findings will be released as they are known. Crews worked directly along the eastern edge of the fire to construct fire lines. While those lines have yet to be tested by winds, much of the eastern edge of the fire now has containment line around it. Containment lines on the northern and northwestern edges of the fire continued to hold well.

The Red Flag Warning has been extended through today for low relative humidity and gusty winds which could cause continued growth to the south and southwest. The McFarland Fire is being jointly managed by the U.S. Forest Service – Shasta-Trinity National Forest and CAL FIRE Tehama-Glenn Unit.

August 18, 2021 at 7:12 PM

Active fire behavior with torching and spotting observed. A Red Flag Warning remains for gusty winds and low RH through Thursday. Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect. Highway 36 remains closed. Threats to private timberlands, critical power, gas and communication infrastructure, critical wildlife and plant habitat, cultural and historic sites, and to Harrison Gulch Ranger Station and campgrounds.

August 18, 2021 at 12:17 PM

The fire held overnight east of Vestal Road. To the north, dozers were able to continue construction of direct fire line and structure preparation continued along Highway 36. Predicted winds pushed hard overnight and created active fire behavior. Crews were successful in the area just west of Ball Road in keeping the fire south of Highway 36.

Today, crews will maintain, strengthen, and secure existing lines along Hwy 36 and Vestal Road and secure the structures. Crews will focus efforts on establishing new control lines along the southern area of the fire. Mop up and patrol will continue along the fire’s northwest area. There is ongoing damage assessment within the fire perimeter.

Today’s weather: A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 8 PM tonight for gusty northeast winds and low relative humidity. West to northwest winds gusting to 20 mph will gradually shift to the north to northeast late tonight with gusts up to 25 mph.

Hwy 36 is closed from Hwy 3 to Bowman Road.

August 18, 2021 at 7:07 AM

Moderate overnight fire behavior with isolated torching and spotting observed. A Red Flag Warning has been issued for gusty winds and low RH through evening. Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect. Highway 36 remains closed. Threats to private timberlands, critical power, gas and communication infrastructure, critical wildlife and plant habitat, cultural and historic sites, and to Harrison Gulch Ranger Station and campgrounds. Road, trail and area closures remain in effect. Smoke impacts to Class 1 Airshed. Naturally occurring asbestos poses a risk to firefighter safety. Unified Command: Type 2 CA Team 10 (Dalrymple) & Cal Fire Tehama-Glenn Unit.

August 17, 2021 at 9:45 PM

Hwy 36 is closed from Hwy 3 to Bowman Road. For current road information visit quickmap.dot.ca.gov

EVACUATION ORDER: 1 mile north of Highway 36 from Platina to Vestal Road, all homes south of Highway 36 including all of Tedoc Road, east to and including all of Vestal Road, north of Pettyjohn Road; North of Pettyjohn Road to Hwy 36W and west of the intersection of Hwy 36W and Canon Road to Tehama/Trinity County line.

EVACUATION WARNING: All homes on the south side and all homes to 1 mile north of Highway 36 from the Shasta/Trinity County line to Platina; North of Bowman Road and Hwy 36W west of Luce Griswold to the Tehama/Trinity County line.

August 17, 2021 at 7:58 AM

Active overnight fire behavior. A Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch issued for gusty winds and low RH from Tuesday evening to Wednesday afternoon.

August 16, 2021 at 8:39 PM

Extreme fire behavior observed today with crown runs and spotting observed. A Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch issued for gusty winds and low RH from Tuesday evening to Wednesday afternoon. ICP was moved to the Shasta County Fairgrounds due to fire activity. Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect with additional Evacuation Orders issued along the Hwy 36 corridor. Highway 36 has been closed.

Threats to private timberlands, critical power, gas and communication infrastructure, critical wildlife and plant habitat, cultural and historic sites, and to Harrison Gulch Ranger Station and campgrounds. Road, trail and area closures remain in effect.

August 16, 2021 at 12:52 PM

Yesterday, gusty and dry west to northwest winds surfaced over the fire area and increased fire activity. Extreme fire behavior pushed the fire to the east into Beegum Peak and over Tedoc Mtn. Fire continued to push and spot to the east and southeast. Crews were able to get a dozer line in Pattymocus Butte last night to keep fire off the Highway 36 corridor. The northwest section of the fire area remained relatively calm after mop-up efforts. Today, crews will determine how far the fire pushed east and south last night. Firefighters will work along the north and southeast areas of the fire to construct control lines and look for contingency line opportunities as they plan to cut off the fire’s spread to the east. Crews will also work to keep fire off the Highway 36 corridor and focus on prepping structures in the area. Dozers and crews will build direct line where possible and indirect and contingency lines as need and open previously used dozer lines. Crews on the West side of the fire continue to secure the line, mop-up and patrol the burned area. Today’s weather conditions bring another critical fire day. Winds will be N/NW all day and evening with gusts of 30-40 mph. Hwy 36 is closed from Hwy 3 to Bowman Road. For current road information visit quickmap.dot.ca.gov

EVACUATION ORDER: 1 mile north of Highway 36 from Platina to Vestal Road, all homes south of Highway 36 including all of Tedoc Road, east to and including all of Vestal Road, north of Pettyjohn Road. EVACUATION WARNING: All homes on the south side and all homes to 1 mile north of Highway 36 from the Shasta/Trinity County line to Platina.

August 16, 2021 at 7:04 AM

An area of low pressure pushing through the Pacific Northwest will help keep gusty northwest winds in place through Monday. Winds15-25 mph with gusts over 25 mph are expected through much of the day. Temperatures will cool slightly with highs in the lower to mid- 90s and relative humidity will bottom out in the mid-teens to lower 20s. Northwest winds will remain over the area Tuesday, but shift to the northeast on Wednesday. Cooler temperatures are expected Tuesday and Wednesday with highs generally in the upper80s to lower 90s. No significant changes in relative humidity is expected through mid-week.

EVACUATION ORDER: Immediate threat to life and property, leave now for the area south of Highway 36 for all occupied structures from Tedoc Rd east to Ball Rd, to include Olympia Dr, Fox St, Sunny Brook Ln, and Valencia Dr.

August 15, 2021 at 11:30 AM

Yesterday the fire continued to spread to the east/southeast and burned to the west of Tedoc mountain. Fire crews worked on establishing control lines using the August Complex burn scar to protect the private lands to the east of Tedoc Mountain. Crews mopped up hotspots on the NW area of the fire and in the Beegum drainage. Firing operations along the 45 road were successfully completed as a control line.

Today, dozer line construction continues and old dozer lines from the August Complex will be reopened along Tedoc Ridge to the south. Containment lines will be tested today with the forecasted near critical fire weather. Fire crews continue scouting the area between the fire’s edge and Tedoc Mountain to locate holding features to prevent fire spread to the north. Dozers will continue working along Tedoc Ridge to the south into the Buck Fire scar to prevent any further eastward spread of the fire.

Firefighters continue to strengthen containment lines along the 35. On the western perimeter, the fire remains along Dubakella Mountain with no new fire growth. Firefighters will continue to reinforce containment lines along the 27 road.

Along Highway 36 the firefighting resources will continue to monitor, patrol, and strengthen the containment lines.

Today a high-pressure ridge will bring increasing west/northwest winds in the late afternoon with gust of 35 mph most of the night.

ROAD INFORMATION

Highway 36 is open without restrictions.

August 13, 2021 at 11:55 AM

Firefighters have focused on the southeast perimeter of the fire along Star Mountain Road (FS 28N45) and Paul’s Day Road (28N09). These roads have been widened with dozer line to corral the fire and prevent further spread to the southeast. The fire crossed this control line yesterday in two places. The escaped fire near White Rock Guard Station has been lined and fire progression has been stopped. In late afternoon as the winds shifted, the fire crossed Paul’s Day Ridge. This edge of the fire is now in the south fork of Beegum Creek. Today the focus is on directing this portion of the fire towards the August Complex and Elk burns scars and preventing it from moving north towards Platina. Firefighters are using previously used dozer lines in lieu of building new contingency lines in these areas.

The eastern side in Beegum Gorge west of Dutchman Gulch has an island of unburned vegetation that may continue burning within the fire perimeter. Firefighters continue to work on the northwestern perimeter line and are making good progress in this steep and rugged area just south of Highway 36. The northern side of the fire, while still staffed, is in good shape. Highway 36 has been opened without escort through the McFarland Fire area.

Temperatures 92 to 97 degrees are expected today with 15 – 20% relative humidity. In other words, hot dry conditions continue in the fire area. Winds are expected to be lighter today but will shift from the southeast this morning to the southwest in early afternoon and again to the west/northwest in the late afternoon. Gusts may reach up to 30 mph.

ROAD INFORMATION: Highway 36 is open.

EVACUATION WARNINGS have been LIFTED for:

· Community of Wildwood

· Community of Post Mountain/Trinity Pines near the junction of the 36 and the 3

· Shields Road

· White Rock Road

· Harrison Gulch Road from Hwy 36 to Deerlick Springs Road

EVACUATION WARNINGS remain in effect for Platina:

· Both sides of Highway 36 from Sunday Gulch Road to the Shasta/Tehama County line.

· All roads to the south of Highway 36 from Sunday Gulch Road to the Shasta/Tehama County line including: Beegum Gorge Road, Platinum Lane, Secluded Glen Lane, Shady Nook Drive and Beegum Road

August 12, 2021 at 8:24 AM

The column of smoke seen from the fire yesterday was in the southeast portion of the fire near Paul’s Day Road and 35 Road. Firefighters continued to fight and contain the fire in this section that is near Middle Fork of Beegum Creek and Pole Corral Creek. The fire is burning towards the August Complex burn scar. On the west side of the fire line, fire remains south of Dubakella Mountain. Firefighters will continue to work to increase containment along Highway 36.

Current fuel conditions are critical and may lead to rapid growth. Dozers and heavy equipment will continue to reopen dozer lines from last year’s August Complex and will look for opportunities to safely fight the fire by ground on the east and southeast portions of the fire. Burnout operations will continue along the east and southeast portions of the fire to prevent fire spread.

Retardant continues to be strategically dropped by fixed wing aircraft in an effort to slow the fire spread. Helicopters will be dropping water to support firefighters on the ground. Additional resources continue to build indirect and contingency line. Aerial firefighting support will be subject to smoke conditions and weather.

Temperatures are expected to be in the highs of 93-98 and low 66-71 degrees. Winds will be light and terrain-driven in the morning, becoming west/northwest 4 to 8 mph with gusts to 15 mph in the afternoon. Weather forecasts predicted isolated afternoon thunderstorms with a chance of dry lightning.

August 11, 2021 at 10:41 AM

The fire flared up yesterday afternoon on the southeastern perimeter. The fire spotted over dozer lines near NorthStar Mountain above the White Rock Guard Station. (The structure has been wrapped with a protective fire retardant material.) Air tankers dropped retardant adjacent to the 28N35 road to slow the flame front and to allow firefighters an opportunity to construct new control lines. This is a priority for today. Our CAL FIRE partners will be working to secure the line in Beegum Gulch in the Dutchman Gulch area.

Fire on the northern perimeter near Dubakella Mountain is expected to remain active. Crews are catching spots and mopping up. The perimeter of the fire adjacent to Highway 36 has been holding as crews continue to mop up and secure the remaining hot spots. Highway 36 has reopened with Caltrans escort since crews and equipment continue to work this northern section of the fire.

The southwest portion of the fire has been stable since it has burned into last year’s August Complex burn scar.

An expanding ridge of high pressure will bring hot and dry conditions over the fire for most of the week. Temperatures will be 92-95 degrees in the fire area with 12-18% humidity. Winds are expected to be light today, but will shift from slope driven winds this morning, to light winds out of the southeast at midday to west to northwest winds in the late afternoon.

August 10, 2021 at 10:47 AM

The fire is active on the northwest perimeter near Dubakella Mountain, Highway 36 on the northern side, in Beegum Gorge to the east and the August Complex burn scar on the southern perimeter.

Today firefighters are mopping up and strengthening the northwest perimeter with burning near Dubakella Mountain to secure the control line and prevent the fire from crossing Highway 36 and moving northwest towards the Post Mountain and Trinity Pines communities.  Good progress is being made and Highway 36 will be opened with a pilot car escort as of 10 a.m. this morning.  See below.

There is active fire in Beegum Creek.  Dozer line has been completed from Beegum Gorge south along Sunshine 28N02 to prevent the fire from moving further to the southeast; crews are working to strengthen and widen this line with firing operations.  The fire is on the south side of Little Red Mountain and dozer line has been completed along the 35 Road to Paul’s Day 28N09 north to Pole Corral Creek in Section 14.  Crews are improving this line as well.  The fire has burned down to the August Complex fire on the south and has run out of fuel.

The fire was active last night but night crews were able to make good progress with more moderate night-time fire behavior. 

Temperatures are expected to be 5 degrees warmer today with a high of 92 degrees in the fire area and relative humidity in the 12-15% range. The weather is becoming hotter and dryer as expected. Winds over the fire area are expected to be light, out of the south at 4-6 mph with gusts up to 14 mph. Winds may come out of the west-southwest in late afternoon.  

August 9, 2021 at 8:31 PM

Currently, the fire is burning in the areas of Dubakella Mountain on the west, Highway 36 to the north, Beegum Gorge to the east and the August Complex burn scar to the south. Firefighters continued to work in difficult and dangerous terrain yesterday to suppress the fire where they could and utilized indirect tactics to reinforce lines in the fire area. After careful assessment, crews found opportunities to use firing tactics to control the fire perimeter on the northwest and east sides of the fire by tying them in with dozer lines. The burnout operation on the western portion of the fire was supported by air tankers dropping retardant lines and by helicopters dropping water, and was successful. Burnout on the east was also successful despite aircraft not being able to support due to smoke conditions. A reconnaissance flight over the eastern portion of the fire met continued smoky conditions but was able to determine the fire was holding within the containment lines. Crews working the northwest corner and along the Highway 36 corridor reported the line was holding, and were mopping up and securing this section.

Overnight fire behavior remained active. Firefighters working the fireline last night saw flanking, backing, single tree torching and short range spotting. Firefighters, however, were able to continue their work and improve dozer and hand lines during the night shift. Crews on the northwest section of the fire will work to complete burnout operation on Dubakella Mountain north to Highway 36 and securing this firing operation. A successful burnout operation on Dubakella Mountain along with holding the line and mopping it up will increase the likelihood that the fire spread on the western portion of the fire will significantly be reduced.

A building high pressure over the Pacific Northwest will bring a warming and drying trend for most this week with highs in the 90’s. Relative humidity will sink to critical levels in the low to mid-teens with poor RH recovery. Mostly light, terrain-driven winds will prevail over the lower elevation for the fire while southeasterly Delta breezes prevail over the higher elevations and ridges. With improved visibility today, it is anticipated that aerial firefighting will be able to support firefighters on the ground where needed.

August 9, 2021 at 9:16 AM

On August 6, a handcrew was working on the south side of the McFarland Fire when a spot fire jumped ahead of them. While catching this spot, six firefighters took some heat that resulted in some first- and minor- second degree burns. They were examined by medics at the McFarland incident and sent for further evaluation in Redding. Four were seen by a physician. All six were released this morning. They will have a few days off and then are released to return to work.

August 8, 2021 at 10:30 AM

The fire is well established in the Middle fork of Beegum Creek, Pole Corral Creek and South of Dubakella Mountain. Main fire spread is to the east/southeast. The fire is expected to continue to burn southeast up to and possibly over Little Red Mountain, toward Pole Corral Creek and Stuart Gap. Eastward movement will threaten BLM lands in the Beegum Avoidance area which is SRA protection land. Fire will progress out of Pole Corral Creek and toward Forest Road 35 and Pauls Day Road.

The fire has continued to spread mainly on the east and southern portions of the fire through dry, drought-stricken fuels. The fire growth was predominantly on the western and eastern sides of the fire and grew rapidly with a high resistance to control.

The drought and the dry hot weather have allowed all fuels to become available to burn. The lack of critical air resources and poor air quality combined with limited ground resources will continue to limit the ability to increase direct line construction. Overnight, firefighters worked around the fire line as fire behavior remained active with primary active flanking, backing, single tree torching and short-range spotting. These resources were responsible for both controlling the fire perimeter and protecting assets while trying to halt the fire’s spread.

Today, firefighters will fight fire as close to the fire’s edge as safely possible, on the east and southeast portions of the fire, while providing protection to structures when needed. Resources will also work to improve containment lines along Highway 36. Dozers and heavy equipment will continue to reopen dozer lines from last year’s August Complex Fire.

A trough of low pressure moving over the Pacific Northwest will bring mostly light westerly winds over the higher elevations of the fire on Sunday, with terrain-driven or southeasterly winds over the lower elevations. Temperatures will remain very similar to yesterday. RH minimums will hover around the middle teens with gradually diminishing RH minimums. Gusty northwesterly late afternoon winds to 25mph will affect upper elevations of the fire tonight, diminishing after midnight. Temperatures will be in the highs of 88-92 degrees with lows of 58-63 degrees. RH lows will be 12-18% with highs around 44-52% Wind on the western side of the fire will come from the west/southwest at 3-6mph with gusts up to 10, then northwest 6-10mph after 5pm. The eastern side of the fire will have south/southeast winds from the south/southeast from 4-8mph with gusts around 10mph. 

August 7, 2021 at 9:07 AM

An area of low pressure will approach the Pacific Northwest over the weekend and allow for increasing onshore flow along with gusty afternoon and evening gap winds over the higher elevations of the fire. Expect mostly terrain-driven winds over the lower elevations with west winds over the higher ridges. Some improvement in overnight RH recovery through the weekend. It will be a few degrees warmer on Saturday. High pressure builds into thewest early next week for mostly seasonal temperatures and RH profiles.

EVACUATION WARNINGS

Evacuation WARNINGS are being issued for the residents in the Platina area including:

Both sides of Highway 36 from Sunday Gulch Road to the Shasta/Tehama County line.

All roads to the south of Highway 36 from Sunday Gulch Road to the Shasta/Tehama County line including:
Beegum Gorge Road, Platinum Lane, Secluded Glen Lane, Shady Nook Drive and Beegum Road.

Evacuation ORDERS are in place for the community of Wildwood. Evacuation WARNINGS are issued for the Post Mountain/Trinity Pines Community. New Evacuation WARNINGS for western Shasta County:

-Shields Road
-White Rock Road
-Harrison Gulch from Highway 36 to Deerlick Springs Road

Residents should be prepared to leave the area in case of increased fire activity. This is the time to prepare valuable items such as important documents, prescription drugs and phone chargers. Sign up for CodeRed alerts if you are not already enrolled https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BFBDCA5E730B

Highway 36 is CLOSED from White Rock Road to the junction with Highway 3. The Wildwood Road is closed from Highway 36 to Highway 3.

August 6, 2021 at 8:53 PM

Threats to private timberlands, critical power, gas and communication infrastructure, critical wildlife habitat, and to Harrison Gulch Ranger Station and campgrounds. Road, trail and area closures have been issued. Smoke impacts to Class 1 Airshed. Naturally occurring asbestos poses a risk to firefighter safety. 

EVACUATION WARNINGS 

Evacuation WARNINGS are being issued for the residents in the Platina area including:

Both sides of Highway 36 from Sunday Gulch Road to the Shasta/Tehama County line.

All roads to the south of Highway 36 from Sunday Gulch Road to the Shasta/Tehama County line including:
Beegum Gorge Road, Platinum Lane, Secluded Glen Lane, Shady Nook Drive and Beegum Road.

The previous announced warnings are included in the area of this new announcement. 

Evacuation ORDERS are in place for the community of Wildwood. Evacuation WARNINGS are issued for the Post Mountain/Trinity Pines Community.  New Evacuation WARNINGS for western Shasta County:

-Shields Road
-White Rock Road
-Harrison Gulch from Highway 36 to Deerlick Springs Road

Residents should be prepared to leave the area in case of increased fire activity.  This is the time to prepare valuable items such as important documents, prescription drugs and phone chargers.  Sign up for CodeRed alerts if you are not already enrolled https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BFBDCA5E730B.

Highway 36 is CLOSED from White Rock Road to the junction with Highway 3. The Wildwood Road is closed from Highway 36 to Highway 3.

August 5, 2021 at 9:02 PM

The McFarland Fire was started by lightning.  As of 7:00 PM this evening, the fire was at 24,247 acres with 7% containment. 

NEW EVACUATION WARNINGS (8/5/21)

Evacuation WARNINGS are being issued for the residents in the Platina area including:

Both sides of Highway 36 from Sunday Gulch Road to the Shasta/Tehama County line.

All roads to the south of Highway 36 from Sunday Gulch Road to the Shasta/Tehama County line including:
Beegum Gorge Road, Platinum Lane, Secluded Glen Lane, Shady Nook Drive and Beegum Road.

The previous announced warnings are included in the area of this new announcement. 

Evacuation ORDERS are in place for the community of Wildwood. Evacuation WARNINGS are issued for the Post Mountain/Trinity Pines Community.  New Evacuation WARNINGS for western Shasta County:

-Shields Road
-White Rock Road
-Harrison Gulch from Highway 36 to Deerlick Springs Road

Residents should be prepared to leave the area in case of increased fire activity.  This is the time to prepare valuable items such as important documents, prescription drugs and phone chargers.  Sign up for CodeRed alerts if you are not already enrolled https://public.coderedweb.com/CNE/en-US/BFBDCA5E730B.
 

Highway 36 is CLOSED from White Rock Road to the junction with Highway 3. The Wildwood Road is closed from Highway 36 to Highway 3.
 
Please support firefighters and stay out of this area! 

August 4, 2021 at 9:28 PM

Fire behavior remained active today with short crown runs and spotting observed. Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain. Highway 36 is closed. Threats to private timberlands, critical power, gas, and communication infrastructure, and to critical wildlife habitat. Road, trail, and area closures have been issued. Harrison Gulch Ranger Station and campgrounds are threatened. Type 2 CA Team 11 (Fogle) in command.

August 4, 2021 at 7:29 AM

Fire behavior remained active overnight with short-range spotting observed. Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain. Highway 36 is closed. Threats to private timberlands, critical power, gas, and communication infrastructure, and to critical wildlife habitat.

Road, trail, and area closures have been issued. Harrison Gulch Ranger Station and campgrounds are threatened. Type 2 CA Team 11 (Fogle) in command.

August 3, 2021 at 4:19 PM

Shasta County Sheriff: For the #McFarlandFire burning in the area of western Shasta County. Evacuation WARNINGS are being issued for:
•Shields Road
•White Rock Road
•Harrison Gulch Road from Highway 36 to Deerlick
Springs Road

August 3, 2021 at 8:16 AM

Active fire with long-range spotting observed overnight. Threat to structures with Evacuation Orders and Warnings issued. Road trail and area closures in effect. State Highway 36 is closed . Threat to private timberlands, power-lines, gas pipelines and communication infrastructure. Type 2 CA Team 11 (Fogle) is in command.

Day shift will have crews and engines going direct while providing point protection when possible. Dozers and heavy equipment will continue to reopen dozer lines from last year’s August Complex as well as looking for safe opportunities to go direct.

August 2, 2021 at 7:48 PM

Highway 36, electrical transmission lines and a natural gas pipeline run north of the fire and are 1/4 mile from being impacted. Hwy 36 is closed from White Rock to the junction with Hwy 3. The Wildwood Road is closed from Hwy 36 to Hwy 3. The Community of Wildwood and dispersed structures within the area are under mandatory evacuation. Highway 36 is a travel corridor from the large population centers of Red Bluff/Redding and the Pacific Coast. It is also the critical access road for communities of Platina, Wildwood, Post Mountain/Trinity Pines and other small mountain communities. Private timber lands in the area have a high economic value. Forest Service infrastructure of a campground and guard station are nearby. The fire is located within both Shasta County and Trinity County. Smoke impacts could impact Hayfork to the North, Yolla Bolla Middle Eel wilderness to the south and the Sacramento Valley to the east.

There is an imminent threat to life and property based on the anticipated spread of the fire. 60 residences are under mandatory evacuation and multiple are in evacuation warning. Currently 104 people are estimated to be displaced from their homes. This fire is threating a major east to west transportation corridor that has a high risk to impact local economy already struggling with Covid19 related loss of revenue.

The fire will also be producing large amounts of smoke that will increase threat to the health and breathing concerns for the northern Sacramento Valley.

Additionally, the potential risk to civilians and firefighters from the recent spike in Covid19 cases is increasing the need for hand wash stations, social distancing and enforcing of the module as one concept.

Lack of national caterer is causing excessive drive times on narrow winding roads due to staff not being able to populate new base camp and get meals. Evacuation warning has been issued for the Community of Post Mountain near the junction of the 36 and the 3.

Pacific Gas and Electric has deenergized one of two major powerlines that feed power to the north coast of California. The deenergizing of this major powerline not only threatens the communities along the 36 corridor but if the Monument fire damages the other major powerline this could cut power from Mendocino north to Arcadia this would affect at least 100,000 residents.

August 2, 2021 at 7:24 PM

Active fire with long-range spotting observed. Threat to structures with Evacuation Orders and Warnings issued. Road trail and area closures in effect. State Highway 36 is closed. Threat to private timberlands, power-lines, gas pipelines and communication infrastructure. Type 2 CA Team 11 (Fogle) is in command.

August 2, 2021 at 7:31 AM

Threat to structures with Evacuation Orders and Warnings issued. Threat to State Highway 36, private timberlands, power-lines, gas pipelines and communication infrastructure. Type 2 CA Team 11 (Fogle) assigned but has not yet transitioned to command.

August 1, 2021 at 11:11 AM

On Thursday, July 29, thunderstorms moved across the Shasta-Trinity National Forest resulting in multiple downstrikes of lightning. One of those became the McFarland fire.

A Type 2 Incident Management Team will be assuming command of the fire tonight.

Yesterday, firefighters and equipment worked to construct a dozer line on the west side of the fire from Highway 36 south to forest road 29N27. Another dozer line has also been tied in on the east side of the fire from the confluence of the middle fork of Cottonwood Creek to Oliphant Creek. Crews aggressively attacked a spot fire on the northwest end of the fire.

Last night, the fire continued to burn actively, particularly on the south side burning towards the North Fork of Beegum Creek and on the west side backing down McFarland Ridge towards forest road 29N28.

Today, resources will continue to scout for areas where they can construct direct fireline. Additionally, they will continue to assess structures in the Basin Gulch area, east of the fire, and develop a structure protection plan. While the weather will be moderate today with lower winds, extreme drought conditions still exist.