Modoc July Complex

Modoc July Complex, Modoc NF. IMT 1 (J. Kurth). Twenty miles northeast of Newell, CA. Brush and grass. Moderate fire behavior with running, smoldering and single-tree torching. Road, trail and area closures in effect.

August 13, 2017 at 10:11 AM

There were no new fires reported yesterday. Personnel and equipment will continue to be released from the complex today. This will be the final incident update from California Interagency Incident Management Team 4, on the Modoc July Complex. Over the next 24 hours the management of this incident will be transferred back to the Modoc National Forest. For further information and assistance, contact the Modoc NF headquarters at 530-710-8620. Information on final suppression and rehab efforts for this incident will continue to be updated on Inciweb, Twitter and Facebook.

On July 24, 2017 a storm producing significant lightning strikes created approximately 60 new fires to burn across the Modoc National Forest. Firefighters from around the Nation worked diligently to control these fires by constructing fire lines and initiating strategic fire suppression tactics. The establishment of contingency lines around fire perimeters proved to be successful. Red flag warnings were forecasted for several days, with an elevated risk for high fire activity. This created a need for additional resources and equipment. Initial attack fire crews were staged throughout the area in anticipation of new fires or continued fire growth. However, a significant amount of rainfall was welcomed by fire suppression crews which assisted with containment efforts. Mop up and fire suppression repair actions have progressed significantly and are almost completed.

We would like to thank all of the firefighters, both air and ground resources and all support personnel who have worked hard and stayed safe while keeping the fire away from communities, homes and properties threatened by wildfire.

NORTH ZONE
The Steele Fire is at 45,690 acres. Suppression repairs within the Complex are being completed and resources are being dismissed.

SOUTH ZONE
The Cove Fire is at 30,886 acres.

August 12, 2017 at 9:27 AM

The week ended Friday with no new fire starts identified but the possibility of new ignitions from recent thunderstorms remains. Fire personnel will continue to be available to provide resources for initial attack if needed for the Modoc National Forest.

A more typical weather pattern returns today and tomorrow across the area. The longer range pattern suggests seasonable temperatures with breezy afternoons. While the extended range forecast looks to be hotter and drier by the middle to later parts of next week. Crews and equipment continue to focus on suppression repair work, rehabilitating firelines and other areas impacted during recent firefighting efforts. The goal is to reduce erosion and other impacts from suppression activities.

The planning for transition back to the local Forest unit is underway.

NORTH ZONE
The Steele Fire is estimated at 45,690 acres as of this morning it is 95 percent contained. Although it continues to consume some unburned fuels within the fire perimeter there is no threat. Crews continue to mop up, repair suppression lines and attack interior heat sources.

SOUTH ZONE
The Cove Fire is at 30,886 acres and remains at 100 percent containment. Firefighters will patrol the perimeter and continue suppression repair work.

August 11, 2017 at 7:20 AM

By the end of Thursday’s shift, no new fire starts were identified. More than 160 lightning strikes occurred in the fire perimeter during the past three days. Firefighting crews remain vigilant and continue to be positioned throughout the Forest to respond to initial response to smoke reports. Aircraft are available to identify fire locations helping to decrease the time for firefighter response time on any new starts.

Dry and warm conditions over the next few days may cause any dormant fires ignited by recent thunderstorms and lightning to develop. Crews and equipment continue to focus on suppression repair work, rehabilitating firelines and other areas impacted during firefighting efforts. The goal is to reduce erosion and other impacts from suppression activities.

NORTH ZONE
The Steele Fire is estimated at 45,690 acres and remains 91 percent contained. Crews are continuing to secure firelines, mop up and further control sections of interior heat.

SOUTH ZONE
The Cove Fire is at 30,886 acres and remains at 100 percent containment. Firefighters will continue their efforts to keep the fire within its containment lines.

August 10, 2017 at 7:36 AM

By the end of Wednesday’s shift, one new lightning-caused fire was identified. Firefighting crews positioned throughout the Forest along with coordinated efforts between Modoc Dispatch and the Modoc July Complex operations staff provided for quick resource responses to smoke reports. Aircraft pinpointing exact locations to the resources en route provided firefighters the advantage of engaging any new fires aggressively, effectively and — most important — safely.

Crews worked the 108-acre Chalk Fire on Wednesday and continue to monitor, mop up, and patrol.

With drier conditions to start the day combined with a Red Flag Warning for abundant lightning, holdover fires have potential to grow and new starts remain likely. Firefighters will focus their efforts on securing the current fires and prepare for new starts. Fire suppression repair work is in progress, personnel and equipment are rehabilitating firelines and other areas impacted during firefighting efforts. The goal is to reduce erosion and other impacts from suppression activities.

NORTH ZONE
The Steele Fire is estimated at 45,690 acres and remains 91 percent contained. Crews are continuing to secure firelines, mop up and further control sections of interior heat.

SOUTH ZONE
The Cove Fire is at 30,886 acres and remains at 100 percent containment. Firefighters will continue their efforts to keep the fire within its containment lines.

August 9, 2017 at 7:33 AM

Rainfall over the Steele Fire today helped personnel make significant improvements on firelines, mop up and further control sections of interior heat.

The 100-acre Chalk Fire was reported at approximately 5 p.m. in the Northwestern section of the Modoc July Complex. Two air tankers, four engines, two crews and two bulldozers responded with full suppression. The area of the fire is predominately grass. Crews are working the fire this evening and containment is unknown at this time.

Despite yesterday’s rain, it will not take long for the fuels to dry out and become susceptible to ignition with sunny conditions. With abundant lightning throughout the area and lower humidity and higher temperatures returning, new starts remain likely.

August 8, 2017 at 9:04 AM

Almost an inch of rain fell on the Steele Fire yesterday which helped personnel make significant improvements on firelines, mop up and further control sections of interior heat.

The 120-acre Chalk Fire was reported at approximately 5 p.m. in the Northwestern section of the Modoc July Complex. The area of the fire is predominately grass. Crews continued to work the fire through the night; the fire is still not contained. Four additional fires were reported at approximately 8 p.m. last night and were quickly contained. The majority of resources were pulled from night shift early in order to rest, recover and resume work with a focus on initial attack today.

Despite yesterday’s rain and this morning’s high humidity, sunny conditions will quickly dry out fuels making them susceptible to ignition. The possibility for new fire starts remains very high. As fuels dry out and winds increase, sleepers — small, smoldering lightning strikes that went previously undetected — could begin to grow. Lightning is also expected to return this afternoon.

NORTH ZONE
The Steele Fire remains at 45,690 acres and is 91 percent contained. The Rim Rock and Lake fires remain in patrol status and are 100 percent contained.

SOUTH ZONE
The Cove Fire is 100 percent contained and 38,887 acres. No new fires were reported from the thunderstorms yesterday.

August 7, 2017 at 7:20 AM

Firefighters were staged and ready to fight last night with the forecasted lightning, however none came. Lower temperatures and higher humidity up to 55 percent helped crews make great progress in continuing their mop up and holding firelines. Despite the good news, firefighters know they are not out of the woods yet. Today, there is a very high potential for thunderstorms this afternoon, and although it will bring rain, lightning can still ignite fires. A Red Flag Warning remains in effect due to the possibility of abundant lightning, low humidity, high temperatures, and erratic winds. Initial attack resources are prepared to respond to any new fires that might start.

The Cove Fire, near Adin, is estimated at 30,887 acres.
The Steele Fire, south of the Oregon/California border, is estimated at 45,720 acres.

Other fires on the forest being managed by the California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 are continually being patrolled until they can be called out and crews are actively patrolling and prepared for initial attack on new starts.

August 6, 2017 at 8:51 PM

As of 6 p.m. on August 5, CALFIRE has moved out of unified command on the Modoc July Complex fire. California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 remains in place to manage the fires.

Portions of the Complex saw thunderstorms, significant rain, and, as forecasted, abundant lightning. Initial attack crews were staged in strategic areas and responded to six reports of fires. One fire, called the Tucker Fire, was confirmed and is contained.

“Our initial attack crews were ready,” said Planning Operations Section Chief, Jake Cagle. “Also the rain helped them quickly contain the fire, so that’s a good success for today.”

About three-quarters of an inch of rain fell today on the Cove fire area, however only a trace of rain was received on the Steele fire.

A Red Flag Warning remains in effect this evening, with a 50 percent chance of thunderstorms. The Red Flag Warning will start again at 11 a.m. on Monday through 11 p.m. for abundant lightning.

The Modoc July Complex is also providing fire suppression resources in support of the Parker 2 Fire in the Warner Mountains, which is under command of NorCal Team 2. For the latest information on the Parker 2 fire, call (530) 276-8097.

SOUTH ZONE
The Cove Fire, near Adin, is estimated at 30,887 acres. Firefighters gained further depth interior in their mop up and will continue to patrol, mop up, and hold the perimeter tonight.

NORTH ZONE
The Steele Fire, south of the Oregon/California border, is estimated at 45,690 acres. Firefighters improved their firelines and continued mopping up to extinguish any heat adjacent to the containment lines and further interior. The Lake and Rimrock fires to the west of the Steele remain in patrol status.

CLOSURES: Forest Closure Orders can be found at www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/modoc/alerts-notices.

August 5, 2017 at 11:15 AM

California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 and CAL FIRE remain in unified command to manage the Modoc July Complex’s Steele and Cove fires. Great progress has been achieved through the efforts of firefighters and cooperators working together. The fires were held within their containment lines and further depth in mop up was achieved on both the Steele and Cove fires.

Conditions conducive to extreme critical fire behavior are still present. A Red Flag Warning has been issued for Saturday because of high temperatures, low humidity, and expected dry lightning from thunderstorms which also means a possibility of gusty and erratic winds. Firefighters will continue to patrol and mop up to further secure containment lines while safely mitigating exposure to the hazards associated with gusty winds and burned trees. Initial attack resources are prepared to respond to new starts as the conditions align similar to the scenario that occurred at the initial onset of the complex. The Modoc July Complex is providing fire suppression resources in support of the Parker 2 Fire in the Warner Mountains.

SOUTH ZONE
The Cove Fire, near Adin, is estimated at 30,887 acres. Yesterday the fire stayed within containment lines after burning only in the interior cleaning up pockets of unburned fuel. The tactical firing used Friday to clean up the edges of the fire, removing fuel between the fire and the line that could ignite and challenge containment lines with the increased winds, further secured the fireline overnight. Firefighters gained further depth interior in their mop up and will continue to patrol, mop up, and hold the perimeter today.

NORTH ZONE
The Steele Fire, south of the Oregon/California border, is estimated at 45,720 acres. Friday’s spot fire, now fully contained and being mopped up. Firefighters took quick action and were aided by VLATs (Very Large Air Tankers) which slowed the fire’s progression and allowed crews to work directly along the fire’s edge building containment line before it crossed Crowder Flat Road. All lines held overnight once again. Fire crews also were able to complete contingency fireline to the northeast near Collins Pines. The Lake and Rimrock fires are in patrol status.

EVACUATIONS

Evacuation orders for Rush Creek, the northeast corner of Round Valley, and county roads 87 and 90 are now in a voluntary status. Residents may return home but the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office urges people to be mindful of fire equipment and operations in the area and be prepared to evacuate if the need arises.
For more information on evacuations, please call the Modoc County Emergency Operations Center at 530-680-3646.

CLOSURES Road closures remain in effect on County Road 87 and County Road 90 for non-residents.
To view all Forest Service Closures, a Forest Closure Order can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/modoc/alerts-notices.

August 4, 2017 at 10:41 AM

Evacuations orders for Rush Creek, the northeast corner of Round Valley, and county roads 87 and 90 are now in a voluntary status. Road closures have been lifted and residents may return home but the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office urges people to be mindful of fire equipment and operations in the area be prepared to evacuate if the need arises. For more information on evacuations, please call the Modoc County Emergency Operations Center at 530-680-3646.

It was a successful night for firefighters engaged in suppression on the Modoc July Complex’s Steele and Cove fires. Fires held within their containment lines and further depth in mop up was achieved. However, conditions conducive to extreme critical fire behavior are still present. A Red Flag Warning has been issued for high temperatures, low humidity, and gusty westerly winds. Firefighters will continue to patrol and mop up to further secure containment lines. Additional fire resources are prepared to monitor existing fires and quickly respond to new starts. The Modoc July Complex is providing fire suppression resources in support of the Parker 2 Fire in the Warner Mountains.

SOUTH ZONE
The Cove Fire, near Adin, is estimated at 30,887 acres. The fire stayed within containment lines with effective work from both day and night shift firefighters that have set each other up for success. Firefighters will continue securing firelines, mopping up into the interior and holding the perimeter.

NORTH ZONE
The Steele Fire, south of the Oregon/California border, is estimated at 45,720 acres. The activity was low and containment lines held the fire all the way around. Crews further secured and mopped up spot fires. Engines were sent near Steele Swamp to cool interior heat. The Lake and Rimrock fires are in patrol status.

EVACUATIONS
Evacuation orders for Rush Creek, the northeast corner of Round Valley, and county roads 87 and 90 are now in a voluntary status. Road closures have been lifted and residents may return home but the Modoc County Sheriff’s Office urges people to be mindful of fire equipment and operations in the area and be prepared to evacuate if the need arises.

August 3, 2017 at 8:10 PM

It was a successful day for firefighters engaged in suppression on the Modoc July Complex Steele and Cove fires. Conditions conducive to extreme critical fire behavior caused spotting outside the fireline which was the biggest challenge for fire crews on the Steele Fire. However, with support from aircraft and dozers, they kept them to a manageable size. Crews will patrol and prepare for new starts as the hot and dry weather will persist and the possibility of thunderstorm activity in the area is forecasted.

SOUTH ZONE
The Cove Fire, near Adin, is estimated at 28,739 acres. The fire stayed within containment lines with effective work from both day and night shift firefighters that have set up for success. Firefighters will continue securing firelines, mopping up into the interior and holding the perimeter.

NORTH ZONE
The Steele Fire, south of the Oregon/California border, is estimated at 45,925 acres. Crews are securing and mopping up spot fires towards the northeast and east sides. The Lake and Rimrock fires are in patrol status. Initial attack resources are in place to respond to new starts that might ignite from the forecasted thunderstorms.

EVACUATIONS

Mandatory evacuations remain in effect for residents of Rush Creek and the northeast corner of Round Valley. The status has changed for the residents on the north side of County Road 87 and the east side of County Road 90 to a voluntary evacuation. Residents can return to their homes on county roads 87 and 90. Road closures will remain in effect; however, residents are allowed to use the roadways. Law enforcement will continue to patrol evacuated areas for safety and security.

The evacuation shelter is at the Veterans Memorial Hall, on the corner of Veterans Avenue and Bridge Street, in Bieber. Code Red Emergency Alert System has been launched for notifications as well. For more information on evacuations, call the Modoc County Sheriff’s Department Information Line at 530-233-4488. If you need to contact the shelter, call 530-708-0051.
The Modoc Animal Control Officer and High Plateau Humane Society is coordinating animal rescue with assistance from Big Valley Animal Clinic. Small animals will be sheltered at Adin Veterinarian Clinic. For all large animals, contact Animal Control at 530-640-1772.

CLOSURES Road closures remain in effect on County Road 87, County Road 90, Rush Creek Loop, Rush Creek Campground and Forest Service Road 40 N-41. Residents on County Road 87 and 90 may use the road. To view all Forest Service Closures, a Forest Closure Order can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/modoc/alerts-notices.
A community meeting will be held on Friday, August 4, 2017 at 6pm at Tulelake Newell Family Resource Center 765 Main Street, locally known as the Honker.

August 3, 2017 at 9:09 AM

Firefighters worked through the night on the Steele and Cove fires, actively burning in the Modoc July Complex. Fire crews made extensive progress advancing containment lines as more favorable weather conditions such as an increase in relative humidity created opportunities to further secure line. Firefighters will remain vigilant and take appropriate suppression action as high temperatures, low fuel moistures and relative humidity is expected again with the possibility of thunderstorm activity in the Lassen and Warner Mountain area producing gusty, erratic outflow winds. These factors all contribute to the high resistance to control these fires have demonstrated.

SOUTH ZONE
The Cove Fire near Adin grew 10,000 acres yesterday but remained quiet overnight and now is estimated at 28,739 acres total. Firefighters mopped up along the north edge to further secure containment lines. Crews completed and secured containment line around a large spot fire in the southeast towards Adin that burned into lighter fuels which made line construction and containment easier. Crews patrolled and held containment lines to the southwest and west and were aided by winds that blew the fire back in on previously burned areas. Constructing, securing, and patrolling containment lines as well as mopping up are a priority for firefighters in anticipation of upcoming weather events.

NORTH ZONE
The Steele Fire, just south of the Oregon/California border is estimated at 45,533 acres and remained relatively quiet overnight, with the exception of increased activity on the northeast side. A spot fire that was estimated at 300 acres yesterday evening grew to 3,000 acres and crossed Crowder Flat Road. Crews constructed control line around the entire spot and have put in a hoselay to assist with mop up to keep fire within containment lines. Crews will improve and patrol constructed fireline today as the light fuels outside of containment lines can ignite and carry fire quickly. The Lake Fire and Rimrock Fire are secure and will continue to be patrolled. Initial attack resources are in place to respond to new starts that may ignite from the forecasted thunderstorm systems expected today.

EVACUATIONS
The Modoc County Sheriff’s office issued a mandatory evacuation notice for the Rush Creek area, the northeast corner of Round Valley, the north side of County Road 87, and the east side of County Road 90.
The evacuation shelter is at the Veterans Memorial Hall, on the corner of Veterans Avenue and Bridge Street, Bieber CA. Code Red Emergency Alert System has been launched for notifications as well. For more information on evacuations, call the Modoc County Sheriff’s Department Information Line at 530-233-4488.

The Modoc Animal Control Officer and High Plateau Humane Society is coordinating animal rescue with assistance from Big Valley Animal Clinic. Small animals will be sheltered at Adin Veterinarian Clinic. For all large animals, contact Animal Control at 530-640-1772.

Road Closures:
County Road 87, County Road 90, Rush Creek Loop and Rush Creek Campground are closed.

August 2, 2017 at 9:15 PM

California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 and Cal Fire are in unified command of the Modoc July Complex. There will be a public meeting Thursday, August 3 at 6 p.m. for the Modoc July Complex (Cove Fire) at the Adin Community Center – 605 State Road 299, Adin, CA. Fire Managers from California Incident Management Team 4 and CalFire will be there to provide updates and information on the Modoc July Complex and take questions from the public.

The fires on the Modoc July Complex were active today as high temperatures and low humidity prevailed for another day. On the bottom of the Steele Fire, east of Clear Lake, the fire crossed the line near Steele Swamp. The area is difficult for crews to access, but they were working their way in supported by aircraft. Dozers pushed dozer line from the 46B29R Road tying it to the black edge of the fire to the northeast. Crews and equipment will continue to build, maintain, and reinforce fire lines today.

On the Cove Fire, the northwest of Adin, was also very active with spotting and torching which slowed line construction. The eastern edge pushed out toward the east. Crews will continue to hold and secure existing control lines and scout to establish new controls.

Other fires on the forest being managed by the California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 are continually being patrolled until they can be called out and crews are actively patrolling and prepared for initial attack on new starts.

August 2, 2017 at 8:41 AM

The Steele and Cove fires on the Modoc July Complex were active overnight and firefighters responded quickly and effectively to the rapidly changing conditions on the Cove Fire. They used appropriate suppression actions and resources to further contain the fire.

SOUTH ZONE
The Cove Fire burned actively throughout the day producing well-defined smoke columns. The fire became plume dominated which by evening had generated cloud-to-cloud lightning and increased winds as a result of the intense heat buildup and atmospheric conditions. Extreme fire behavior in the form of fire whirls and spotting caused the fire to further advance southwest towards a pre-established dozer line near County Roads 90 and 87. Resources were immediately deployed to connect the dozer line around the fire’s southwestern edge and protect structures. They utilized tactical firing to reinforce and create a buffer from the dozer line. Crews also constructed containment line from the 40N17 Road to the cooler heel of the fire. The fire’s advancement into a different fuel type will put firefighters in a better position to slow and possibly stop the fire’s spread. High temperatures, low relative humidites, and forecasted west winds are expected today for the Cove Fire area.

NORTH ZONE
The Steele Fire, just below the Oregon/California border was active but remained within the constructed fireline around the northeast corner of the fire. Crews put in handline along the east side to tie two dozer lines together and will be completing fireline along the entire eastern edge. There is good containment on the west edge and effective work was done on the south end of the fire as crews held the line and patrolled for spot fires. Crews put containment line around two slopovers on the northwest and southwest side of the fire. They will continue mopping up this morning as well as secure and hold existing control lines. The Lake and Rimrock fires have secured lines around them with no additional fire growth. These fires are approximately 4 miles from the Oregon border. The Oregon Department of Forestry has preparations underway in case fire activity pushes further north.

EVACUATIONS
The Modoc County Sheriff’s office issued a mandatory evacuation notice Tuesday for the Rush Creek area, the northeast corner of Round Valley, the north side of County Road 87, and the east side of County Road 90. The evacuation shelter is at the Veterans Memorial Hall, on the corner of Veterans Avenue and Bridge Street, Bieber CA. Modoc County deputies will go door-to-door in the impacted area. Code Red Emergency Alert System has been launched for notifications as well. For more information on evacuations, call the Modoc County Sheriff’s Department Information Line at 530-233-4488.

The Modoc Animal Control Officer and High Plateau Humane Society is coordinating animal rescue with assistance from Big Valley Animal Clinic. Small animals will be sheltered at Adin Veterinarian Clinic. For all large animals, contact Animal Control at 530-640-1772.

ROAD CLOSURES:
County Road 87, County Road 90, Rush Creek Loop and Rush Creek Camp Ground are closed

August 1, 2017 at 8:56 PM

Firefighters made good progress during the day as both large fires in the complex burned hot but did not move as fast. This provided firefighters the opportunity to engage in direct attack along the fire edge. Crews were aided by bulldozers and air support to establish and extend containment lines further around the fires limiting fire growth.

SOUTH ZONE
The Cove Fire burned actively throughout the day producing defined smoke columns, but moved at a slower rate. Crews were able to utilize aircraft to further secure the north edge of the fire, limiting fire spread. Air tankers provided an opportunity for firefighters to go direct against the fire and put in good fireline from the northeast down along the southeastern corner closest to State Route 299. The fire did spread to the southwest and crews will work on scouting and constructing containment lines to stop the fire’s southern progression. As temperatures remain high and poor humidity recovery is predicted, active burning is expected throughout the night. Crews will hold and improve existing fireline, as well as utilize appropriate suppression actions to minimize fire growth.

NORTH ZONE
The Steele Fire, just below the Oregon/California border remained active but also moved slow enough to allow bulldozers to construct fireline around the northeast corner of the fire. Crews put in handline along the east side to tie two dozer lines together and will be completing fireline along the entire eastern edge. There is good containment on the west edge and effective work was done on the south end of the fire as crews held the line and patrolled for spot fires. Crews are taking action on a spot in the northwest corner and will be working through the night to secure and hold existing control lines. The Lake and Rimrock fires have secured lines around them with no additional fire growth. These fires are approximately 4 miles from the Oregon border. The Oregon Department of Forestry has preparations underway in case fire activity pushes further north.

Evacuations:
The Modoc County Sheriff’s office issued a mandatory evacuation notice for the Rush Creek area, the northeast corner of Round Valley, the north side of County Road 87, and the east side of County Road 90.

The evacuation shelter is at the Veterans Memorial Hall, on the corner of Veterans Avenue and Bridge Street, Bieber CA. Modoc County deputies will go door-to-door in the impacted area. Code Red Emergency Alert System has been launched for notifications as well. For more information on evacuations, call the Modoc County Sheriff’s Department Information Line at 530-233-4488.

The Modoc Animal Control Officer and High Plateau Humane Society is coordinating animal rescue with assistance from Big Valley Animal Clinic. Small animals will be sheltered at Adin Veterinarian Clinic. For all large animals, contact Animal Control at 530-640-1772.

Road Closures:
County Road 87, County Road 90, Rush Creek Loop and Rush Creek Camp Ground are closed

August 1, 2017 at 9:32 AM

Fire crews worked through the night and made progress on containment lines for both large fires in the Modoc July Complex burning on the Modoc National Forest. California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 and CAL FIRE are in unified command and are deploying resources to scout and establish control lines, provide structure protection, and hold and maintain existing firelines; providing for firefighter and public safety.

Mandatory evacuations are in effect for residents in the Rush Creek area in Modoc County, according to the Modoc County Sheriff’s Department. The evacuation shelter has been moved to the Veterans Memorial Hall, corner of Veterans Avenue and Bridge Street, Bieber Ca. Modoc County Deputies will go door-to-door in the impacted area. Code Red Emergency Alert System has been launched for notifications as well. For more information on evacuations, call 530-233-4498.

SOUTH ZONE
After yesterday’s fire growth to the south and east, influenced by the record setting heat wave that is expected to continue through Thursday, the Cove Fire moved 3 miles towards State Route 299. The fire remained active through the evening as low humidity recovery and north and northwest winds made fireline construction challenging. Crews were able to hold the fire on the north side, continued mop up, and constructed and prepped indirect dozer line to the south and east. Crews will hold and improve existing line, utilize appropriate suppression actions to minimize fire growth and scout for opportunities to establish effective control lines. Warmer and drier weather will persist and the potential for thunderstorms is expected later in the week.

NORTH ZONE
The Steele Fire, just below the Oregon/California border was less active. Tactical firing operations along existing road systems and dozer line were used to reinforce containment lines. Overnight, the fire was less active and crews were effective in further containing the fire by mopping up and completing firelines across the north and in the southeast using dozers and constructing handline. The Lake and Rimrock fires experienced very little growth; these fires are approximately 4 miles from the Oregon border. The Oregon Department of Forestry has preparations underway in case fire activity pushes further north.

Crews will continue to monitor all existing fires in the complex and prepare for initial attack.

Attention: The public meeting scheduled for Tuesday in Tulelake has been postponed until further notice, however, a public meeting is scheduled for Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the Cal Pines Lodge at 750 Shasta View Dr. Alturas, California.

Residents and visitors in the area should be aware of the potentially dangerous fire conditions and increased fire vehicle traffic. Fire Restrictions are in place for the entire Modoc National Forest and can be found out
https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/modoc/alerts-notices.

August 1, 2017 at 8:36 AM

Fire Summary: Fire crews worked through the night and made progress on containment lines for both large fires in the Modoc July Complex burning on the Modoc National Forest. California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 and CAL FIRE are in unified command and are deploying resources to scout and establish control lines, provide structure protection, and hold and maintain existing firelines; providing for firefighter and public safety

July 31, 2017 at 8:57 PM

The Cove Fire, one of the southernmost fires in the Modoc July Complex, experienced active burning most of the day Monday and continued into the evening hours. While the fire grew, current acreage estimates are not available but it did move east to within 1 mile of State Route 299 and south toward Adin.

Voluntary evacuations are in place for residents along 299 including those in Rush Creek, according to the Modoc County Sheriff’s Department. The Adin Community Center has been established as a shelter.

California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 took command of the complex at 6 a.m. Monday. As of 5 p.m. the team entered unified command with CalFire.

Structure protection groups are in place and fire personnel are working around the clock to stop the fires and protect property. Monday saw record-setting temperatures and the heat wave is expected to continue through Thursday. With that in mind, more firefighters will be working the night shift to take advantage of the reduced fire behavior during the overnight hours.

The Steele Fire, just below the Oregon/California border, was less active today and crews made good progress in many areas. There has been very little growth on the Lake and Rimrock fires; these fires are still approximately 4 miles from the Oregon border. The Oregon Department of Forestry has preparations under way in case fire activity pushes further north.

The public meeting scheduled for Tuesday in Tulelake has been postponed until further notice, however, there will be a public meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Cal Pines Lodge at 750 Shasta View Drive.

The overnight weather forecast calls for minimal humidity recovery and winds out of the north to north west. The Cove Fire is expected to remain active into the night with steady northwest winds. Warmer and drier weather is expected to persist and the potential for thunderstorms is expected later in the week.

Residents and visitors in the area should be aware of the potentially dangerous fire conditions and increased fire vehicle traffic. Fire restrictions are in place for the entire Modoc National Forest and can be found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/modoc/alerts-notices.

July 31, 2017 at 7:38 PM

Extreme fire behavior with uphill runs, torching and short range spotting. CA-IMT1 (Kurth) in Unified Command with CAL FIRE. CA-IMT1 (Kurth) has operational responsibility for all of the Modoc July Complex excluding the Warner Mountains. Cove Fire: 6,824 acres, 10% contained. Evacuation advisory for Rush Creek.Threat to the community of Adin and Hwy 299 Corridor. No Divert of Aircraft, VLAT and MAFFs assigned

July 31, 2017 at 11:07 AM

California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 has assumed command today of the Modoc July Complex from Nor Cal team 2. Their area of responsibility includes all fires west of Highway 395 (which excludes the Warner Mountains).

There will be a public meeting today at 6 p.m. at the Lakeview Elks Lodge. Another public meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Tulelake Newell Family Resource Center (known locally as the Honker).

Firefighters encountered active fire behavior last night on both the Steele and Cove Fires. On the Steele Fire, north and east of Clear Lake, northeast winds pushed the fire across the 136 Road to the south. Crews and dozers contained the 40-acre slopover and have mopped up 50 feet interior this morning. Firefighters continued to utilize roads to the south and have pushed dozer line from the 46B29R spur road and tied it into the black edge of the fire to the northeast. Crews and equipment will continue to build, maintain, and reinforce firelines today.

The Cove Fire, northwest of Adin, was also very active with spotting and torching which slowed line construction. Crews were able to hold and improve existing lines. Conditions along the southern edge permitted tactical firing operations from the 40N14 Road to the 40N09 Road to aid in securing the southern edge of the fire. Firefighters also conducted firing operations from the 40N14 Road to the 40N12 Road to strengthen firelines. The northern fireline held overnight with no additional fire spread. Crews will continue to hold and secure existing control lines and scout to establish new control lines.

There has been very little growth on the Lake Fire and Rimrock area fires; these fires in the complex are still approximately four miles from the Oregon border. The Oregon Department of Forestry has preparations underway in case fire activity pushes further north.

The weather forecast for today indicates conditions warmer and drier than yesterday with this increase expected to continue through Wednesday. Incident meteorologists will continue to monitor weather conditions, especially thunderstorm potential, to assist firefighters in creating safe and effective action plans.

Residents and visitors in the area should be aware of the potentially dangerous fire conditions and increased fire vehicle traffic on roadways. Fire safety restrictions are in effect for the entire Modoc National Forest.

July 30, 2017 at 7:53 PM

Active fire behavior with short range spotting and uphill runs observed. CA IMT2 (Young) will transition command of fire to CA IMT1 (Kurth) tomorrow morning at 0600. Cove Fire is 3,250 acres, 10% contained. Voluntary evacutions are in place, structures are threatened.

July 30, 2017 at 8:52 AM

The fires in the Modoc July Complex remained active overnight. The Steel Fire, to the northeast of Clear Lake, slopped over control lines toward State Route 136, but crews made good progress with dozers picking up the slop. They also starting building fire line along 136 to the 48N70 Road as a buffer for crews working there today. On the Cove Fire, firefighters backed off as conditions became too hazardous for direct suppression and focused on opening roads for use as firelines.

There will be a public meeting today at 3 p.m. at the Adin Community Center. If internet connections allow, this meeting will be livestreamed on the Modoc National Forest Facebook page (U.S. Forest Service-Modoc National Forest).

Public meetings will also be held 6 p.m. Monday at the Lakeview Elks Lodge and 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Tulelake Newell Family Resource Center (known locally as the Honker).

Firefighters took advantage of cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels last night to make progress on the Steele and Cove Fires, but there was still very active fire behavior. The Steele Fire, north and east of Clear Lake, is currently 29,779 acres. Fire crossed County Road 136 to the south, but crews and dozers were able to put a line around 75 percent of the slopover. Smaller slopovers were quickly lined. Firefighters started to create a buffer along County 136, and built a line that now ties into Forest Service System Road 48N70. Crews and equipment will continue to build, maintain, and reinforce firelines today.

The Cove Fire, northwest of Adin, is currently 3,257 acres. It was extremely active overnight, spotting into a drainage last night, moving southeast. Firefighters are working to create a fireline by utilizing the existing Forest Service System Road 40N14. Dozer lines were extended overnight, and crews will continue work in the area.

There was very little growth on the Lake Fire and Rimrock cluster in the past 24 hours. No structures have been reported damaged or destroyed. The northern edge of fires in this complex is still approximately four miles from the Oregon border. The Oregon Department of Forestry has preparations underway in case fire activity pushes further north.

The weather forecast for today indicates conditions very similar to yesterday, but a slight chance of thunderstorms exists near Goose Lake and east. An increase in temperatures is forecast for Monday through Wednesday. Incident meteorologists will continue to monitor weather conditions to assist firefighters in creating safe and efficient action plans.

The need for additional resources and the large geographic scope of the Modoc July Complex have led to the necessity of a type 1 team. California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 will shadow with NorCal Team 2 today and assume command of the fire area on Monday, July 31.

July 29, 2017 at 8:17 PM

Active fire behavior observed with long range spotting. Threats continue to be to gas and high voltage transmission lines, railroad infrastructure, historical significant areas and Native American cultural significant areas. Cove incident is 1,948 acres, 10% contained.

July 29, 2017 at 1:14 PM

High temperatures and low humidity levels are expected to continue through the weekend. These conditions will influence fire behavior and there is a possibility of extreme activity while conditions persist. Fires in the #JulyModocComplex experienced varying levels of activity overnight.

The Cove Fire grew an estimated 1,900 acres yesterday, but overnight it demonstrated much lower activity. It is currently at an estimated 1,948 acres. Fire crews were able to conduct suppression tactics directly on the eastern edge of the Cove Fire, and tied firelines into existing road systems which should assist firefighters by providing easier access today. This fire is not currently directly threatening any structures, but residents in Stone Coal Valley were issued a pre-evacuation by the Modoc County Sheriff yesterday as a precautionary measure. Firefighters will be aided again today by aircraft.

The Lake Fire, directly southeast of Clear Lake, held well yesterday and did not have much activity overnight; it is now 4,489 acres. The Steele Fire, north and east of Clear Lake, showed considerable growth yesterday and last night; it is now at approximately 11,615 acres. No structures have been reported damaged or destroyed. Other fire areas on the northeastern section of this complex were active overnight, and fire crossed FS Road 48N70 with an approximately 150 acre slopover. The Rimrock cluster, located just south of the Oregon border, have grown into one fire estimated at 1,492 acres.

While three new fires were discovered yesterday, crews kept them to only a few acres. Additionally, numerous small fires on the Modoc National Forest (NF) were called contained or out.

While no roads or trails in the Modoc NF are currently closed, residents and visitors in the area should be aware of the potentially dangerous fire conditions and increased fire vehicle traffic on roadways. Fire restrictions are in affect for the entire Modoc NF.

July 29, 2017 at 7:36 AM

On the Cove Fire, crews took advantage of favorable night time conditions to burn directly along the eastern edge of the fire and up towards the northeast, tying the fire into the road system. An infrared flight overnight shows that there is still a good amount of heat in the fire, and it remains a high priority for aircraft and crews today. It is currently approximately 2000 acres.

The Steele Fire, east of Clear Lake, grew considerably overnight toward the northeast. It is currently over 11,000 acres. It also remains a priority.

The Shale Fire, within Lava Beds National Monument, was inactive yesterday and is currently estimated at about 20 acres. The Lyons Trail remains closed. Crews will continue to monitor the fire today.

Numerous other fires in the Complex have been controlled or contained.

July 28, 2017 at 8:23 AM

Between July 23 and July 25, the Modoc National Forest, Lava Beds National Monument, and the Clear Lake and Klamath National wildlifre refuges received thousands of lightning strikes. As of this morning, NorCal Team 2’s previous area of responsibility has been expanded to include all the fires west of Highway 395. This, combined with fire growth resulting from hotter, drier conditions, has caused a considerable increase in the total aggregated fire acreage.

South of Canby, Firefighters are making good progress on containment lines on the Cove Fire, northwest of Adin. The Clark Fire, near Mud Springs, was active overnight and is a priority for crews this morning.

The Lake Fire, southeast of Clear Lake grew to approximately 4,000 acres as it moved out of grass and into juniper and larger vegetation. Firefighters, supported by aircraft including VLAT (Very Large Air Tanker), will continue suppression efforts today. The Steele Fire, located on the southeast side of Steele Ranch, also showed considerable growth. Crews established a fireline between the active edge of the fire and the structures on the Steele Ranch. The Rimrock Fire remains at approximately 1,500 acres. Other fires in the Complex were active as well.

At least one confirmed fire is also burning in the north eastern portion of Lava Beds National Monument. Because of the late hour of discovery and inaccessible location, crews were not able to fully assess the fire which appears to be burning in Wilderness. Fire crews from the Modoc Forest July Complex will be further assessing the fire today.

Today crews will continue suppression efforts, building and securing firelines and extinguishing any remaining hotspots on contained fires. There is still a strong possibility that previously undetected fires from the lightning will become active in the next few days, and firefighters will continue to patrol and take suppression actions on these fires as they are discovered.

Smoke from a fire east of Pine Creek Reservoir can still be seen today from Hwy 395 south of Alturas. Firefighters are on scene. Aircraft supported their progress in suppression efforts yesterday. It was last reported at approximately 25 acres.

Weather today is predicted to be hotter and drier, with increased winds developing in the afternoon. That, combined with a large unstable air mass over the fire area, creates the potential for very active fire today. This can threaten both firefighter safety and the security of constructed firelines.

July 27, 2017 at 7:57 AM

The Modoc July Complex currently consists of about 40 fires, for a total of approximately 2330 acres. The estimated overall growth yesterday was about 400 acres.

The largest fire is the Rimrock Fire, located north of Clear Lake. It is estimated to be about 1500 acres. Crews worked to build, hold, and improve fireline around known fires. They also discovered seven new fires within NorCal Team 2’s current area of responsibility. These new fires were primarily found in the Clear Lake area. The largest fire in the group is approximately 150 acres.

No structures or infrastructure are currently threatened by any of the fires in the Complex. Warmer, drier weather is predicted into the weekend, with temperatures today predicted to be in the upper 70s to low 80s. Firefighters expect additional fires leftover from the recent lightning to become more active today as vegetation dries out. Despite a wet winter, as the abundant grass crop ignites it is pre-heating larger vegetation, like sagebrush, and can cause rapid rates of fire spread.

The area of responsibility for NorCal Team 2 will grow significantly tonight, encompassing the majority of the Modoc National Forest with the exception of the Warner Mountains.

July 26, 2017 at 7:47 AM

NorCal Team 2 assumed command of the Modoc July Complex at 6pm on July 25. The current area of responsibility for the Team is from the Oregon border south to Canby, east of Highway 139 and north and west of Highways 299/395. A video description of the area of responsibility is available at https://goo.gl/6TuqAw. The Complex is estimated to consist of approximately 40 fires, most of which are under an acre. The biggest fire, the Rimrock 1, is located just south of the Oregon border southeast of Rock Creek and is estimated to be about 1700 acres, and 45% contained. The Rimrock 1 was active yesterday in the late afternoon as winds associated with thunderstorms impacted the area.

Several fires have been detected in the area near Crowder Flat. Many of them have had staff working on them, but firefighters have been unable to locate some reported smokes. Patrols will continue today to try to locate and extinguish fires in advance of the warmer, drier weather predicted later in the week.

In the southern part of the area of responsibility, little activity was detected but firefighters are patrolling and remaining diligent as fires which were previously undetected may become more active as drier weather sets in.

NorCal Team 2 also has command of the Cove Fire, which is located outside the area of responsibility boundary on Fox Mountain north of Adin. The Cove Fire was mapped yesterday at about 57 acres. It received significant heavy precipitation yesterday.

Temperatures are predicted to peak in the upper 80s today, with a Red Flag Warning for abundant lightning in effect until 11pm this evening. Thunderstorms can be accompanied by gusty, erratic winds which can be hazardous to firefighters and threaten the security of fire lines, even in areas far away from the storm. Previously undetected fires may become active under these wind conditions. A warmer, drier trend is expected to move into the area later in the week.

July 25, 2017 at 2:25 PM

41 total fires with crews currently responding to 7 new starts, burning approximately 710 total acres. The Rimrock Fire is 700 acres with slow to moderate rates of spread. The Fire increase is mainly due to better mapping and not fire behavior. Sage grouse and private property are threatened. All other fires on the forest are less than 5 acres with moderate to low rates of spread.

July 25, 2017 at 7:16 AM

40+ fires ranging from 10 to 50 acres. CA-IMT2 Young has been assigned and will in-brief at 1200 today. Heavy commitment of federal resources. Private property is threatened. Erratic outflow winds and scattered precipitation has been observed over the fire area.

Lightning caused 33 confirmed wildfires on the Modoc National Forest Monday. Firefighters responded to and suppressed wildfires in a widespread area, mostly on the Devil’s Garden and Warner Mountain ranger districts.

One of the six Rimrock fires northeast of Clear Lake near the Oregon border was last reported at 125 acres. This was the largest fire resulting from last night’s lightning activity.

Most fires across the forest were kept smaller than one acre. Several small fires were discovered near Jess Valley in the South Warner Mountains.

With safety as a top priority, the decision was made to pull crews last night due to darkness, snags, downdrafts and continued weather activity.

A Type II incident management team was ordered last night and will take over management of the Modoc July Complex tonight. More lightning is forecasted for the next couple days.