Monument, Shasta NF

Monument, Shasta-Trinity NF, USFS. IMT 2 (CA Team 11). One mile southwest of Del Loma, CA. Timber and brush. Minimal fire behavior with creeping and smoldering. Infrastructure threatened. Area, road and trail closures in effect.

October 21, 2021 at 12:23 PM

The Monument Fire’s footprint remains at 223,124 acres and is 94% contained. The fire is essentially out.  The final phase of fighting the Monument Fire is repairing the damage to the land caused by fire fighting and chopping down any trees in danger of falling and blocking the main roads.  Hazard tree mitigation continues along the 16 Road south of Big Bar and has been completed from the intersection of Soldier Creek Road to the east. Suppression repair is now focused in the general area of Tule and Butter Creek west of Hayfork.  The incoming series of storms bringing rain over the fire area will of course impact the pace of this work.

Today, California Team 11, the last of six fire management teams to work on this fire, will be transitioning management of the fire to a local Type 3 team on the Shasta Trinity National Forest.  The Hayfork fire camp will close down today and the new team will work out of the Weaverville Ranger District Office.

The next phase is the emergency stabilization of burned areas of the Monument Fire.  Hydrologists, geologists, biologists and botanists are developing a plan for erosion control, protecting the recovering habitat of various plant and animal species and preventing the spread of noxious weeds in vulnerable portions of the burn area.  A burn severity map has been completed and is available on the Monument-Knob Post-Fire BAER information on InciWeb.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Tomorrow, widespread rain across the fire area is expected to move in by mid afternoon.  Rain is predicted from tomorrow afternoon through mid-day Friday and again for Saturday morning.  A very wet weekend with 3 – 4” of rain is expected.  Temperatures will be in the 40s and 50s with moderate winds out of the south over the burn area through the weekend.

Forest Closure: All closure orders and maps are on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website home page. Before visiting the Forest, please check the order and avoid closed areas.

October 17, 2021 at 10:21 AM

Current Situation: The Monument Fire remains 94% contained at 223,124 acres. The main concerns are unstable slopes and hazard trees near homes and critical travel routes.  Emergency suppression repair work continues to stabilize areas that have been impacted by suppression activities and to return the land back to pre-fire conditions as much as possible.  This includes pulling brush over exposed ground, removing berms that were built and adding water bars to reduce erosion potential from upcoming rain events.  Hazard tree mitigation, along major roads, is also part of this work. Dead trees are being cut down to keep the roads open in the future.

Suppression repair work is being completed on the north end of the fire and efforts are moving south. For this reason, Willow Creek Spike Camp has been closed. All resources have been moved to Weaverville or Hayfork Spike Camps.

Hazard tree removal will continue along the 16 Road.  To the east, suppression repair efforts are focused on Felter’s Gulch and Oregon Gulch near Junction City.  Work is in progress in the southern part of the fire area east of Hayfork including Grassy Flats, the 07 Road, Indian Valley, Buck Gulch and the Tule Creek area.

Weather and Fire Behavior: A cold front will pass over the area mid-day and could bring rain by 3 pm. Chance of rain is 100%.  Gusty winds will be ahead of the front this morning. South winds 10-15 mph with possible gusts of 25 mph. Precipitation amounts between two tenths or three tenths of an inch are possible. Forecasted wetting rains expected later in the day will reduce remaining fire activity.

October 13, 2021 at 9:12 AM

The fire threat has been reduced significantly over time, with the footprint currently holding at 223,124 acres and 93% contained. As conditions continue to improve, the main threat has shifted to unstable slopes and hazard trees near homes and critical travel routes. While firefighters continue to monitor and mop up remaining pockets of heat, crews have increasingly shifted focus to repairing priority areas affected by the fire. Thus far approximately 234 out of 630 total miles of suppression repair lines have been completed throughout the fire area. Hazardous tree mitigation will continue along major roadways to provide for safe travel within the fire interior.

Weather and Fire Behavior: A weak cold front entered the area last night into this morning bringing light precipitation. Today’s high temperatures will be in the low-to-mid 50s across upper slopes and ridgelines and mid 60s in the valleys. Humidity values are trending higher today, in the 20-25% range in the valleys and near 30% along upper slopes and ridgelines, and winds are from the northwest at 5 to 10 mph with gusts around 15 mph. Cooler and more humid conditions generally have served to moderate fire behavior. While a high pressure system will bring warmer and drier air later this week, it is not expected to bring any increase in fire activity.

Forest Closure: The Shasta-Trinity National Forest issued a superseding Forest closure order with a map on October 2, that opens up areas on the western and northwestern flanks of the Monument Fire. Please see the order for specific roads and trails still closed. National Forest closures near the Monument and other fires remain in effect to keep local communities and the firefighters safe. All closure orders and maps are on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website home page. Before visiting the Forest, please check the order and avoid closed areas.

Road Closures and Restrictions (Trinity County):

·       Denny Road is closed at the intersection of Ziegler Point Road.

·       Forest Service Road 3N08 (Butter Creek) is closed.

·       Big Creek Road, Soldier Creek Road, Barker Valley Road and Barker Creek Road are closed.

·       Big French Creek Road and Big Mountain Road are closed.

·       Travel on Highway 299 from Mill Camp Road in Burnt Ranch to 0.7 miles west of Del Loma is restricted to one-way controlled traffic with pilot car escorts every 90 minutes from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. Monday through Friday and every 60 minutes Saturday and Sunday. Each night one-way traffic will be controlled with delays of 40 minutes. To check on current highway conditions, see https://roads.dot.ca.gov/.

·       A temporary flight restriction is in effect for the Monument Fire.

October 11, 2021 at 9:11 AM

Crews continue to mop up smoldering stumps and debris while heavy equipment work to repair suppression lines. The falling of hazardous trees along major roadways is underway to provide for safe travel within the fire interior. 

Weather and Fire Behavior: A dry cold front passed over night which will produce cool, gusty north winds combined with higher humidity over the fire area today, potentially causing an increase in fire behavior. Winds will die down overnight and there is a freeze watch with expected valley lows in the 20’s.

Yesterday, wind gusts on the fire produced minimal fire activity. Due to continued increased winds, smoldering and creeping is anticipated in isolated hot spots of downed debris and stumps within the fire’s interior.   

Forest Closure: The Shasta-Trinity National Forest issued a superseding Forest closure order with a map on October 2, 2021 that opens up areas on the western and northwestern flanks of the Monument Fire. Please see the order for specific roads and trails still closed. National Forest closures near the Monument and other fires remain in effect to keep local communities and the firefighters safe. All closure orders and maps are on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website home page. Before visiting the Forest, please check the order and avoid closed areas.

Road Closures and Restrictions (Trinity County):

Denny Road is closed at the intersection of Ziegler Point Road.

Forest Service Road 3N08 (Butter Creek) is closed.

Big Creek Road, Soldier Creek Road, Barker Valley Road and Barker Creek Road are closed.

Big French Creek Road and Big Mountain Road are closed.

Travel on Highway 299 from Mill Camp Road in Burnt Ranch to 0.7 miles west of Del Loma is restricted to one-way controlled traffic with pilot car escorts every 90 minutes from 7 A.M. to 7P.M. Monday through Friday and every 60 minutes Saturday and Sunday. Each night one-way traffic will be controlled with delays of 40 minutes. To check on current highway conditions, see https://roads.dot.ca.gov/. A temporary flight restriction is in effect for the Monument Fire.

October 9, 2021 at 10:05 AM

he Monument Fire started on July 30th near Monument Peak in Del Loma, California. It is burning in brush and timber, mostly within footprints of previous fires: the 2006 Pigeon Fire, 2015 Happy Fire and 2008 Cedar, Eagle, Miners, and Buckhorn Fires. It is now approximately 223,124 acres and 87 percent contained. The decrease in acreage today is due to removal of the  Maxwell Fire from the Monument Fire acreage.  Initially Acerage of the Maxwell Fire was included in the Monument Fire, but the Maxwell fire is a seperate fire and is being managed by CalFire.

Yesterday, crews continued to monitor, patrol, retrieve excess equipment, remove hazard trees, repair unneeded firelines and restore areas damaged while fighting the fire. Firefighters observed areas reburning in several places in the interior of the fire due to needles falling on areas still retaining heat.  

Northeast: Firefighters continued to monitor and patrol the Backbone Ridge area, observing a few areas of smoke which were no threat to firelines. They mopped up smoldering stumps in the area where the fire had previously crossed Hobo Gulch Road. Crews completed removing excess hose, pumps and tanks from the Brock Canyon area near Canyon Creek. Heavy equipment was used to repair bulldozer lines along secondary firelines in Canyon Creek.

East: Work to remove hazard trees north from Packers Creek Road toward Big Bar continued. An interior area at the southeast side of the fire north of Hayfork reburned due to fallen needles from burned trees.

West: Firefighters monitored, patrolled and worked to repair roads, handlines and bulldozer lines in the interior of the fire. Chipping operations continued in the Grassy Flats area as well as repair on bulldozer lines south of there. Crews continued work along primary and secondary firelines on the southwest side of the fire, including Halfway Ridge (3N22) Rusch Creek Roads (32N11) and Corral Bottom Roads. They completed work on the Pattison Jeep Trail south to the Bar 717 Ranch and identified more firelines in need of suppression repair.

Northwest: Firefighters monitored and patrolled, retrieved excess equipment and chipped vegetation piled along roads. They completed chipping around firelines along East Fork New River Road and Noble Lane.

Planned activities: Firefighters will continue to monitor, patrol and mop up along firelines. The focus will remain on removing hazard trees and repairing areas damaged during fire suppression to return them to as natural as possible.

Northeast: Firefighters will continue to patrol handlines from the north edge of the fire on Hobo Gulch Road to Backbone Ridge, and southern lines from the East Fork of the North Fork Trinity River to Backbone Ridge. They will secure the fire edge along Backbone Ridge from a northern handline to the west towards the North Fork of the Trinity River. They will also patrol the eastern fire edge along the East Fork of the North Fork Trinity River and Hobo Gulch Road. Firefighters will maintain a fire cache in the area in case fire activity increases. Crews will use bulldozers to install water bars on roads and repair steep secondary firelines in the Canyon Creek area and a hand crew will repair handlines at Dedrick Point.
 
East: Work to remove hazard trees from Soldier Creek Road north toward Big Bar will continue. Crews will complete repair work along Hayfork Divide Road and move to Hocker Meadow Road for road and bulldozer line repair, chipping and removal of hazard trees.

West: Crews will continue to patrol and monitor firelines, grade roads and repair areas damaged while fighting the fire, including firelines in the interior of the fire. Specific areas of work include bulldozer line repair in the area of Corral Creek and an old powerline, repair work from Hyampom Road and the 3N21(Fir Root Springs) Road along a bulldozer line south to Grassy Flats; chipping along bulldozer lines in the Grassy Flats area; and repair along secondary firelines in the Butter Creek (3N08) road system east of Indian Valley, including work from 2N44 (Wagon) Road south to Buck Gulch, clearing debris from the 7 (2N07) Road, repairing a bulldozer line south of the 7 Road, beginning repair of a bulldozer line along 31N10B (View) Road and repair of roads in the Drinkwater Creek area in the interior of the fire.

Crews will also begin repair and chipping on equipment lines and hand lines from Burnt Ranch south on Underwood Mountain Road along the west side of the fire.

Northwest: Firefighters will monitor and patrol the entire northwestern edge of the fire for threats by air and by ground, concentrating on the Dailey Ranch and Denny areas. Firefighters will continue to check for hazards such as rolling rocks and remove fire-damaged trees along roads. Crews should complete fireline repair today on firelines down to the Trinity River and bulldozer lines from Ziegler Point to Trinity Village.

October 5, 2021 at 10:37 AM

The next Monument Fire community meeting will be held face-to-face outdoors tomorrow, Wednesday October 6, at 1 P.M. in Hyampom at the Hyampom Volunteer Fire Department station at 22547 Hyampom Road. Representatives from the USDA Forest Service and the Southern Area Red Team will give an update about the fire and answer questions.

Current Situation: The Monument Fire started on July 30th near Monument Peak in Del Loma, California. It is burning in brush and timber, mostly within footprints of previous fires: the 2006 Pigeon Fire, 2015 Happy Fire and 2008 Cedar, Eagle, Miners, and Buckhorn Fires. It is now approximately 223,001 acres and 83 percent contained.

Yesterday was another hot and dry day, with Big Bar registering at 3 percent relative humidity after southwest winds blew into the area. Although crews continued to monitor, patrol, mop up and cool hot spots and retrieve excess equipment, most of the focus was on removal of hazard trees and repair of interior and secondary firelines and areas damaged while fighting the fire.

Northeast: Firefighters continued to monitor the west side of the North Fork Trinity River. They observed that after Sunday’s helicopter water drops, fire activity greatly decreased. Crews worked to repair handlines and bulldozer lines near Hobo Gulch and continued to remove excess hose, pumps and tanks from the Brock Canyon area near Canyon Creek.

East: Work to remove hazard trees north from Soldier Creek Road toward Big Bar continued. Crews and heavy equipment repaired bulldozer lines on the east side of the fire from Soldier Creek north to Rattlesnake Gap.
 
West: Firefighters monitored, patrolled and worked to repair roads, handlines and bulldozer lines in the interior of the fire.  Crews and heavy equipment worked along Pattison Ridge, Pattison Peak Trail and Pattison Peak Jeep Trail to repair both hand and bulldozer firelines.  They continued work along primary and secondary firelines on the southwest side of the fire.   

Northwest: Crews monitored and patrolled, retrieved excess equipment, chipped piled debris along roads and completed repair of firelines in the Jim Jam road system. Chipping of piled vegetation continued along Denny Road and was completed in an area from Denny Road down to the Trinity River. Repair work on handlines and bulldozer lines continued.

Planned activities: Firefighters will continue to monitor, patrol and mop up along firelines and focus on removing hazard trees and repairing areas damaged during fire suppression to return them to as natural state as possible. With extremely dry conditions, they will be vigilant to prevent any new starts from sparks that might be caused from the use of heavy equipment.

Northeast: Firefighters will continue to patrol handlines from the north edge of fire on Hobo Gulch Road to Backbone Ridge, and southern lines from East Fork of the North Fork Trinity River to Backbone Ridge. They will secure the fire edge along Backbone Ridge from a northern handline to the west towards the North Fork of the Trinity River. They will also patrol the eastern fire edge along the East Fork of the North Fork Trinity River and Hobo Gulch Road. Firefighters will maintain a fire cache in the area in case fire activity increases. Crews will continue suppression repair of handlines along the North Fork of the Trinity River and will use bulldozers to install water bars and repair interior firelines. They will continue to retrieve structure defense equipment located in Brock Canyon.

East: Work to remove hazard trees from Soldier Creek Road north toward Big Bar will continue. Heavy equipment and crews will continue to repair firelines on the eastern edge of the fire.

West: Crews will continue to patrol and monitor firelines, grade roads and repair areas damaged while fighting the fire, including firelines in the interior of the fire. Specific areas of work include fire repair of bulldozer lines north of the Bar 717 Ranch and handline and bulldozer line repair in the area of Corral Creek, Pattison Peak Jeep Trail and Pattison Peak Trail; chipping along bulldozer lines in the Grassy Flats area; fire repair along secondary firelines in the Butter Creek (3N08) road system east of Indian Valley, including work from 2N44 (Wagon) Road south to Buck Gulch; and clearing debris from the 32N11 (Rusch Creek) road.

Crews will also assess repairs needed along the power line in the Hayshed Creek area and retrieve incident equipment from Hyampom Volunteer Fire Department.

Northwest: Firefighters will continue to monitor and patrol by air and by ground the Jim Jam Trailhead, Denny Road and Highway 299 down along the northwest edge of the fire to Hayshed Creek for fire threats. They will continue to retrieve unneeded equipment and check for hazards such as rolling rocks and remove fire-damaged trees along roads. Bulldozers and excavators will continue to repair bulldozer lines and repair Denny Road, with chippers grinding up piled vegetation.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Winds 6-12 mph, with gusts up to 17 mph will blow from the southwest again today as a front approaches the coast. Clouds and cooler air will work their way in today, but dry conditions will persist through the afternoon. Showers are possible (20-30 percent chance) toward the end of the day through Wednesday morning as the front moves through the area. Rainfall amounts, if any, will be light. High temperatures today will be 70-80 degrees with minimum relative humidity 10-20 percent.

An increase in fire behavior is expected today due to the increase in winds and low relative daytime and nighttime humidity. Any remaining heat along the line may flare up today. As a warming and drying trend continues, live and dead vegetation is becoming more available to burn. Large logs and stumps will continue to smolder. Areas with heavy concentration of fallen needles and other material may burn again.

Areas of concern include the Backbone Ridge area in the northeast side of the fire and east of Trinity Village on the northwest side. Fire will creep and smolder where large logs and stumps hold heat. On the southwest part of the fire between Hayfork and Hyampom, interior pockets of unburned vegetation will continue to burn with creeping fire in large logs and stumps.

October 1, 2021 at 9:39 AM

Evacuations Lifted, Hyampom Road Open: The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office has removed all evacuation orders and warnings in the areas affected by the Monument Fire within Trinity County. The stretch of Hyampom Road between Grassy Flats and James Creek is reopened for public use. Please drive carefully as firefighters and equipment will continue to work on Hyampom Road.

Community Meetings: The next Monument Fire community meeting will be a virtual meeting at 6 P.M. on Saturday, October 2nd. Representatives from the USDA Forest Service and the Southern Area Red Team will give an update about the fire and answer questions. Join via Zoom at https://usfs.zoomgov.com/j/1601245712 Meeting ID: 160 124 5712 or call in to 669-254-5252.

Local Assistance: Through this Sunday, October 3rd, Trinity County residents impacted by the July 2021 lightning fires can access services and resources at a Local Assistance Center at Veterans Memorial Hall, 109 Memorial Drive, Weaverville, CA 96093. Hours are 11 A.M to 7 P.M. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, all visitors must wear facial coverings and practice social distancing. For up-to-date information and resources, go to www.trinitycounty.org/recovery, email hhs.disasterrecovery@trinitycounty.org or call 530-623-8223.

Current Situation: The Monument Fire started on July 30th near Monument Peak in Del Loma, California. It is burning in brush and timber, mostly within footprints of previous fires: the 2006 Pigeon Fire, 2015 Happy Fire and 2008 Cedar, Eagle, Miners, and Buckhorn Fires. It is now approximately 223,001 acres and 79 percent contained.

After three days of warming and drying after Monday’s rain, fire behavior increased in some areas still retaining heat. In the eastern part of the fire, air attack saw some activity near containment lines in the Backbone Ridge area where the fire had previously burned across Hobo Gulch Road. A helicopter dropped water on the flareup to cool it. Although crews continued to patrol, mop up and cool hot spots, most of the focus was on removal of unneeded equipment, removal of hazard trees and repair of firelines and areas damaged while fighting the fire. This included roads identified as priorities in a structure protection plan.

Northeast: Firefighters monitored and patrolled a section of handline to the North Fork of the Trinity River. They staged water-handling equipment in the area because it still has some fire activity. Crews completed removing hazard trees along Soldier Creek Road and turned north to continue work toward Big Bar.

Southeast: Crews removed hazard trees from Big Creek Road.

West: Crews mopped up smoldering stump holes along Hyampom Road that threatened the integrity of the road. They worked to repair roads and bulldozer lines in the interior of the fire.

Northwest: Firefighters finished most removal of excess equipment for structure defense. Crews continued to chip piled debris along roads, retrieve unneeded equipment and conducted suppression repair of fireline.

Planned activities: Firefighters will continue to mop up and patrol along firelines, retrieve unneeded equipment and identify and repair areas damaged during fire suppression actions, including repair on priority roads.

Northeast: Crews will continue removal of unneeded equipment, but their main focus will be hazard tree removal and suppression repair work. Firefighters will continue to patrol handlines from the north edge of fire on Hobo Gulch Road to Backbone Ridge, and southern lines from East Fork of the North Fork Trinity River to Backbone Ridge. They will also patrol the eastern fire edge along the East Fork of the North Fork Trinity River and Hobo Gulch Road. Firefighters will maintain structural defense. Crews will continue to remove hazard trees from Soldier Creek Road north toward Big Bar.

Southeast: Crews will continue to remove hazard trees from Big Creek Road.

West: All along the west side of the fire, crews will continue to patrol and mop-up as needed and retrieve equipment no longer required. Specific areas of work include mop up of stump holes along Hyampom Road, fire repair along secondary firelines in the Butter Creek (3N08) road system east of Indian Valley, fire repair of Bear Creek (12W22) Road and chipping and bulldozer line repair around the Bar 717 Ranch and Pattison Peak Jeep Trail.

Northwest: Firefighters will monitor and patrol structures in and around Trinity Village and along Denny Road for fire threats. They will keep Denny and Buyoff Roads free of fallen and hazard trees to maintain access for local residents. Crews will repair bulldozer lines and repair Denny and Jim Jam Roads using chippers to grind up vegetation piled along them.

A Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation team will continue to work on the Monument Fire to assess long-term remediation of some areas. The southeast side of the fire is cold and is being monitored from the ground and with aircraft. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection will respond in this area, if necessary.

People and Equipment: 753 personnel, 11 hand crews, 48 engines, 4 helicopters, 4 bulldozers, 14 water tenders, 8 masticators and chippers, 6 excavators, 2 skidders

Weather and Fire Behavior: A weak system will result in areas of morning low clouds and fog in valleys. Any clouds will burn off by late morning with mostly sunny skies. Winds will be fairly light, north-northwest 4-8 mph. High temperatures will be from the mid-70s to mid-80s, and humidity will drop to around 15-25 percent.

Overall, minimal fire behavior and activity is expected today. As a warming and drying trend continues, live and dead vegetation is becoming more available to burn. Large logs and stumps will continue to smolder. Areas with heavy concentration of fallen needles and other material may burn again. Fire behavior has the potential to increase over the next few days even though the burn period is decreasing due to decreased daylight.

Areas still retaining heat include the northern portion of the fire in the Backbone Ridge area and east of Trinity Village, where fire will creep and smolder and large logs and stumps will hold heat and burn. On the southwest part of the fire between Hayfork and Hyampom, interior pockets of unburned vegetation will continue to burn with creeping fire and large logs and stumps will burn.

Daily Smoke Outlook: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/Sierra-Trinity

Forest Closures: National Forest closures near the Monument and other fires remain in effect to keep you and the firefighters safe. The Shasta-Trinity National Forest closure for the Monument Fire was updated on September 24th to reduce the closure area and open up areas such as Indian Valley and the 10 Road. See the full closure order for more information. A September 29th forest closure order overview map highlights all closure boundaries within the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. All closure orders and maps are on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website home page. Before visiting the Forest, please check this site and avoid closed areas.

Road Closures and Restrictions (Trinity County):

·     Denny Road is closed at the intersection of Ziegler Point Road.

·     Forest Service Road 3N08 (Butter Creek) is closed.

·     Tule Creek Road at Jesse Road is closed to everyone except those with proof of residency.

·     Big Creek Road, Soldier Creek Road, Barker Valley Road and Barker Creek Road are closed.

·     Big French Creek Road and Big Mountain Road are closed.

·     Travel on Highway 299 from Mill Camp Road in Burnt Ranch to 0.7 miles west of Del Loma is restricted to one-way controlled traffic with pilot car escorts every 90 minutes from 7 A.M to 7 P.M Monday through Friday and every 60 minutes Saturday and Sunday. Each night one-way traffic will be controlled with delays of 40 minutes. To check on current highway conditions, see https://roads.dot.ca.gov/.

·     A temporary flight restriction is in effect for the Monument Fire.

Evacuations (Trinity County):No evacuation orders or warnings are in place for the Monument Fire.

September 30, 2021 at 9:18 AM

Evacuations Lifted, Hyampom Road Reopened: Yesterday the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office removed all evacuation orders and warnings in the areas affected by the Monument Fire within Trinity County. The stretch of Hyampom Road between Grassy Flats and James Creek is reopened for public use. Please drive carefully as firefighters and equipment will continue to work on Hyampom Road.

Community Meetings: The next Monument Fire community meeting will be a virtual meeting at 6 P.M. on Saturday, October 2nd. Representatives from the USDA Forest Service and the Southern Area Red Team will give an update about the fire and answer questions. Join via Zoom at https://usfs.zoomgov.com/j/1601245712 Meeting ID: 160 124 5712 or call in at 669-254-5252.

Local Assistance: Through this Sunday, October 3rd, Trinity County residents impacted by the July 2021 lightning fires can access services and resources at a Local Assistance Center at Veterans Memorial Hall, 109 Memorial Drive, Weaverville, CA 96093. Hours are 11 A.M to 7 P.M. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, all visitors must wear facial coverings and practice social distancing. For up-to-date information and resources, go to www.trinitycounty.org/recovery, email hhs.disasterrecovery@trinitycounty.org, or call 530-623-8223.

Current Situation: The Monument Fire started on July 30th near Monument Peak in Del Loma, California. It is burning in brush and timber, mostly within footprints of previous fires: the 2006 Pigeon Fire, 2015 Happy Fire and 2008 Cedar, Eagle, Miners, and Buckhorn Fires. It is now approximately 223,001 acres and 74 percent contained.

Yesterday, firefighters observed fire popping up in areas of remaining heat as several days of warmer and drier weather since Monday’s rain has dried out live and dead vegetation. Firefighters mopped up those areas. Overall, crews continued to mop up, remove unneeded equipment, cool remaining hot spots and conduct suppression repair. They made good progress removing hazard trees along Soldier Creek Road and turned north to continue work toward Big Bar.

Northeast: Firefighters assessed Backbone Ridge for suppression repair work, working north to south. They installed hose lines, mopped up and hauled back excess equipment.  

Southwest: Crews completed removing hazard trees and chipping woody debris along Hyampom Road, allowing it to be reopened today. They also competed chipping on all roads and suppression repair work on secondary containment lines on roads 10 and 11 of the 31N66 Road system east of Indian Valley. Firefighters continued to mop up bulldozer lines on and around Butter Creek Road and fireline south of Pattison Peak and backhauled equipment.

Northwest: Firefighters did extensive removal of excess equipment, continued to monitor areas along the Trinity River and mopped up east of Trinity Village. Crews removed hose from the Dailey Ranch area and assessed what needed to be done for suppression repair on secondary firelines north to Jim Jam Ridge. Chippers were brought in for suppression repair in the Denny Road area.

Planned activities: Firefighters will continue to improve and mop up firelines, retrieve unneeded equipment and identify and repair areas damaged during fire suppression actions. Crews will continue to remove hazard trees from east to west off Soldier Creek Road toward Big Bar and on Big Creek Road. Road crews will assess Bear Creek (12W22) Road for suppression repair work. 

Northeast: Crews will do some removal of unneeded equipment, but their main focus will be hazard tree removal and suppression repair work, including an assessment of bulldozer line repair. Firefighters will continue to patrol handlines from the north edge of fire on Hobo Gulch Road to Backbone Ridge, and southern lines from East Fork of the North Fork Trinity River to Backbone Ridge. They will also patrol the eastern fire edge along the East Fork of the North Fork Trinity River and Hobo Road.

West: All along the west side of the fire, crews will continue to patrol and mop-up as needed and retrieve equipment no longer required. Specific areas of work include mop up near Butter Creek Meadows, on bulldozer lines on and around Butter Creek Road and fireline south of Pattison Peak and fire repair along secondary firelines in the 31N66 road system east of Indian Valley, including chipping on Road 11. Firefighters will assess Bear Creek (12W22) Road for suppression repair work to Hayfork Lookout.

Northwest: Firefighters will monitor and patrol Trinity Village, Suzie Q Road and along Denny Road for fire threats to containment lines. They will keep Denny and Buyoff Roads free of fallen and hazard trees to maintain access for local residents. Crews will repair bulldozer lines and roads up to Jim Jam Ridge, using chippers to grind up vegetation piled along roads.

A Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation team will be working on the Monument fire today to assess long-term remediation of some areas. The southeast side of the fire is cold and is being monitored from the ground and with aircraft. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection will respond in this area, if necessary.

September 29, 2021 at 11:09 AM

New Forest Closure Map: Yesterday the Shasta-Trinity National Forest published a new forest closure order overview map highlighting all closure boundaries within confines of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. The map is posted on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website, https://www.fs.usda.gov/stnf. The Monument Fire closure order was last updated on September 24, 2021. See Forest Closures below for more information.

Community Meetings: The next Monument Fire community meeting will be held face-to-face outdoors today at 1 P.M. in Hyampom at the Hyampom Volunteer Fire Department station at 22547 Hyampom Road. Representatives from the USDA Forest Service and the Southern Area Red Team will give an update about the fire and answer questions.

Local Assistance: Beginning today and lasting through Sunday, October 3rd, Trinity County residents impacted by the July 2021 lightning fires will be able to access services and resources at a Local Assistance Center at Veterans Memorial Hall, 109 Memorial Drive, Weaverville, CA 96093. Hours are 11 A.M to 7 P.M. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, all visitors must wear facial coverings and practice social distancing. For up-to-date information and resources, go to www.trinitycounty.org/recovery, email hhs.disasterrecovery@trinitycounty.org, or call 530-623-8223.

Current Situation: The Monument Fire started on July 30th near Monument Peak in Del Loma, California. It is burning in brush and timber, mostly within footprints of previous fires: the 2006 Pigeon Fire, 2015 Happy Fire and 2008 Cedar, Eagle, Miners, and Buckhorn Fires. It is now approximately 223,001 acres and 72 percent contained.

The fire continued to smolder in the northern part of the Monument Fire yesterday, although the threat has been reduced due to recent rainfall and fire suppression. When roads dried out, firefighters took advantage of minimal fire behavior to make progress on mopping up, removing unneeded equipment, cooling remaining hot spots and conducting suppression repair. Crews made good progress removing hazard trees along Soldier Creek Road from the east side of the fire, working west in the interior of the fire footprint.
Northeast: Weather conditions moderating fire behavior and good progress made to suppress and contain the fire have reduced fire threats to the Backbone Ridge area. As a result, the need for secondary firelines no longer exists and mastication operations along Backbone Ridge were stopped. Firefighters continued to monitor uncontained fire edge to the west of the North Fork Trinity River. They mopped up where they could safely engage in wet conditions and removed from the area.

Southwest: Crews continued chipping woody debris along Hyampom Road and completed chipping up slash along the 3408 (Butter Creek) Road.

Northwest: Firefighters patrolled, mopped up and hauled back excess equipment. They monitored where tactical firing was done along the Trinity River, mopped up east of Trinity Village and began removing some structure defense equipment from the area. As was done along Backbone Ridge, mastication work on secondary containment lines north of the Dailey Ranch towards Jim Jam Ridge was halted. 

Planned activities: Although Monday’s rain helped firefighters make good progress on increasing containment, areas of heat remain, mainly at the northern part of the fire near Thurston Peaks and the Trinity River where a firing operation was done. Firefighters will continue to improve and mop up firelines, retrieve unneeded equipment and identify and repair areas damaged during fire suppression actions. Crews will continue to remove hazard trees along Soldier Creek Road, working to the west to Price Ridge and then north to Big Bar. Assessment of roads for hazard tree removal will begin in the lower part of Soldier Creek and Big Creek areas.
Northeast: Firefighters will continue to patrol handlines from the north edge of fire on Hobo Gulch Road to Backbone Ridge, and southern lines from East Fork of the North Fork Trinity River to Backbone Ridge. They will secure the fire edge along Backbone Ridge from northern handline to the west towards North Fork Trinity River. Masticators will begin working their way out of Backbone Ridge, north to south, with crews repairing firelines as they exit. Firefighters will begin removing structure defense equipment and evaluate and prioritize suppression repair needs.

West: All along the west side of the fire, crews will continue to patrol and mop-up as needed and retrieve equipment no longer required, including items from the Bar 717 ranch. Other specific areas of work include mop up in the Butter Creek Meadows area, fire repair work along a secondary fireline in the 31N66 road system east of Indian Valley and mop up at the fireline south of Pattison Peak.  Chipping operations will begin along the 32N11 (Rusch Creek) Road and continue along Hyampom Road, working south from Jud Creek. Firefighters will assess Bear Creek (12W22) Road for suppression repair work to Hayfork Lookout. 

Northwest: Firefighters will continue mop up, backhaul and remove structure defense equipment from around Trinity Village as appropriate. They will monitor areas where tactical firing was done along the Trinity River last week. Crews will continue holding along the Denny Road and will keep Denny and Buyoff Roads free of fallen and hazard trees to maintain access for local residents. They will begin removing structure defense equipment from around Daily Ranch, Denny and New River Trailhead. Masticators will work their way out of secondary containment lines to the north of the Dailey Ranch, working north to south and masticating road shoulders as they move out. A Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation team will be working on the Monument fire today to assess long-term remediation of some areas. The southeast side of the fire is cold and is being monitored from the ground and with aircraft. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection will respond in this area, if necessary.

September 24, 2021 at 7:33 AM

 Minimal fire behavior overnight with some backing occurring. Structures threatened with evacuation orders remaining in place. Critical electrical transmission and distribution lines have been damaged. Threats to critical power, water and communication infrastructure, historical and cultural sites, critical wildlife and plant habitat, private timberland, grazing land, agriculture land, multiple critical watershed and recreational sites. Hwy 299 is intermittently open to controlled traffic. Road, area and trail closures in effect. Type 1 NR team 2 (Turman) in command. Type 1, SA Red Team on order, in-brief 9/24 @ 1200.

It was another quiet night across the Monument fire. Fire is backing down the hill in the Cow Creek area, near the G/I division break, reducing the unburned area within the lines. Fire behavior was minimal elsewhere and did not threaten the line, but interior heat is still present. Patrol and mop up continued. Night operations continue to be right-sized for current conditions.

 The area of Hyampom Rd between Grassy Flats and James Creek has been reduced to an Evacuation Warning. This section of road was heavily impacted by fire and will remain closed until further notice. Removal of hazard trees and sliding material is continuing.

September 20, 2021 at 7:44 PM

As of 10 A.M. on Sunday, the Trinity County Sheriff reduced evacuation orders and warnings for Trinity Village and Denny.  Approximately 160 people were able to return to their homes. Check below for remaining road closures, evacuation orders and warnings.

Although the region-wide emergency forest closure order has been lifted and most of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest is now open, local closures near the Monument and other fires within the forest are still in effect. All closure orders and maps are posted on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website home page. Before visiting the forest, please check the website and avoid areas closed for public safety.

For questions about the River Complex Fire, please call the River Complex Fire Information Line at (707) 596-6075 or email 2021.river@firenet.gov.  Information about the River Complex can be found in InciWeb at www.inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7760

COMMUNITY MEETINGS:  The next Monument Fire public meeting will be face-to-face at 1 P.M. on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at the Hawkins Bar Volunteer Fire Department Station, 71 Trinity Court, Burnt Ranch, CA 95527. The meeting will be outdoors with speakers from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and the Incident Management Team. There will be an opportunity to ask questions after the speakers’ portion of the meeting.

MONUMENT FIRE:

Resources: 1,325 personnel, 29 hand crews, 77 engines, 8 helicopters, 16 dozers, 8 water tenders, 14 masticators, 3 excavators

Current Situation: The Monument Fire is approximately 218,457 acres (+0) and 53 (+0) percent contained. The overnight infrared flight reported no fire growth.

Yesterday, once the rain stopped and things dried out, mop up and building of containment and contingency lines resumed. Progress was made building direct line from Backbone Ridge down to the road on the northeast part of the fire. Helicopters were able to support with water drops as well as recons north along the ridge for future contingency lines. Preparation of contingency lines with dozers and masticators continued in the Canyon Creek drainage. On the southern part of the fire hard mop up and snagging continued, with good progress along the Hyampom Road. Work was started to reopen the road to the Burnt Ranch School’s communications tower to get that back in service. Scouting was done to determine where the fire is burning in the area where Cow Creek goes into the New River, on the north side of the Trinity River. Equipment was moved out past Denny to begin preparing structures on the road towards Jim Jam Ridge.

Overnight, snag removal, mop up and patrol work continued.  Minor fire activity was observed in the Pony Creek Area but remained within containment lines.

Today’s operations will continue with road preparation, mop up and felling of hazard trees.  Reinforcement of direct and contingency lines will also continue in areas that remain active.

KNOB FIRE: The Knob Fire remains at approximately 2,421 acres and 100 percent contained. Fire behavior continues to be primarily isolated low-intensity surface fire within the control lines. No growth has been reported as the fire slowly consumes unburned fuels within the containment lines. Work continues with the excavator to remove burning logs from roadbeds where they were originally used to shore up the road’s surface.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Plenty of moisture from this weekend’s rain will produce pockets of low clouds. By afternoon, skies will be clear. Easterly morning wind speeds will be in the single digits and will increase around mid-day to 10-15 miles per hour. Afternoon wind gusts of up to 25 miles per hour are expect in the southern area of the fire. Overnight wind speeds are expected to drop below 10 miles per hour with temperatures dropping into the 40s.

DAILY SMOKE OUTLOOK: https://wildlandfiresmoke.net/outlooks/Sierra-Trinity 

ROAD CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS (Trinity County):

• Denny Road is closed at the intersection of Ziegler Point Road.
• Hyampom Road is closed between Grassy Flats and James Creek.
• Forest Service Road 3N08 northwest to Oakridge is closed.
• Tule Creek Road at Jesse Road is closed to everyone except those with proof of residency.
• Big Creek Road, Soldier Creek Road, Barker Valley Road, Barker Creek Road, and Carr Creek Road are closed.
• Big French Creek Road and Big Mountain Road are closed.
• A segment ofState Route 299 between mile post 7.4 (near Burnt Ranch at Berg Road) and mile post 36.3 (just west of Helena) is open to through traffic and residents on the following schedule: Monday through Sunday, from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M., an escort vehicle leads traffic through the closure every 30 – 45 minutes. Overnight, from 7 P.M. to 7 A.M., the road is open to the public.

EVACUATIONS (Trinity County): The following information was taken directly from Trinity County Sheriff’s Facebook page. Evacuation orders and warnings can be issued or change suddenly; if you have questions about evacuation boundaries, call Trinity County Sheriff’s Office at 530-623-2611.

• Order: All areas along Denny Road northeast from Zeigler Point Road to Panther Creek due to hazard tree removal and fire debris.
• Order: All areas along Hyampom Road between Lucky Jeep Trail/James Creek and Halfway Ridge

• Order: Helena/East Fork Road, Hobo Gulch Road, Big Mountain Road, and Big French Creek Road
• Warning: Forest Service Road 10 between Forest Service Road 3N08 and the St. John Road at the Hyampom Road intersection. Hyampom Rd, east from the St. John Rd to Grassy Flats Rd. This includes Indian Valley through Forest Service Road 10 and Bar 717 Camp.
• Warning: All areas along Denny Road from Panther Creek east through Denny.

September 18, 2021 at 1:49 PM

Hayfork and Junction City Evacuation areas reduced

The following areas are reduced out of an evacuation warning.

All areas south west of the Jesse Rd / Tule Creek Rd intersection to FS Rd 3N08. This includes McAlexander Rd, Shangri La Rd, Hunter Lane, Green Gate Rd, and Land Acre Rd.

FS Rd 3N08 northwest to Oakridge will remain closed.

The following areas are reduced out of an evacuation warning: Gulch, Doctor Lane, Phares Lane, Turkey Track, and Digger Gulch.

The following areas are reduced to an evacuation warning:

FS Rd 10 between FS Rd 3N08 and the St. John Rd at the Hyampom Rd intersection. Hyampom Rd, east from the St. John Rd to Grassy Flats Rd. This includes Indian Valley through FS Rd 10 and Bar 717 Camp.

Hyampom Rd between Grassy Flats and James Creek will remain closed

The following area has been reduced out of an evacuation warning:

All of Canyon Creek Rd.

The Canyon Creek Trailhead is still closed, as well as the wilderness areas to the north and west of Canyon Creek Trailhead.

esterday smoke lifted earlier than expected and winds remained light.  This allowed aircraft to assist firefighters on the ground in the Cow Creek area on the northwest side of the fire and along Backbone Ridge by Stoveleg Gap on the northeast.  Four scoopers worked along the Hobo Gulch road for part of the afternoon, before being called away to assist on the River Complex.

Bulldozer line and mastication of brush was completed to prepare and strengthen contingency lines in the Canyon Creek area. Heavy mop up was completed to the west of Hayfork and there was black line added as that area is now considered contained. The fire’s edge is lined and was holding along Butter Creek to Grassy Mountain and back over to the Hyampom Road. The 20-acre fire started by the log rolling down into Miners Creek was lined and was holding. The contingency lines behind Trinity Village were being prepared and are ready to support structure defense. The line keeping the fire east of the road and down in Cow Creek was holding, with fire backing down into the drainage within the containment line. Mop up along the Denny Road and out toward the Dailey property was progressing successfully.

Overnight the forecasted increase in winds did not materialize and humidity recoveries were improved, allowing night-time tactical firing operations. A 30-acre burn to keep fire back from control lines was successfully completed along Backbone Ridge. Drones were used to burn and hold control lines down to Fisher Road to the east of Trinity Village. In the area of Miners Creek along Hyampom Road, the crews successfully mopped up the 20-acre rollout from a few days ago and had no additional burning debris rolling down the hill.

Today crews will continue preparing and holding fire lines, working when it is safe to do so in the expected wet weather. Suppression repair work is beginning in the Hayfork area. Firefighters will continue to work to hold the fire down in Cow Creek and to the east side of the Trinity River. Scouting will continue for containment opportunities along the New River and out towards Jim Jam Ridge.

KNOB FIRE: The Knob Fire remains at approximately 2,421 acres and 100 percent contained. Fire behavior continues to be primarily isolated low-intensity surface fire within the control lines. No growth has been reported as the fire slowly consumes unburned fuels within the containment lines.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: The latest forecast shows rain arriving to the fire area as early as 10 A.M. with 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch across the northern portions, and 1/10 inch near Hayfork and the lower elevations of the fire. After the rain, winds are expected to increase as the cold front passes through, with gusts of up to 30 miles per hour on the ridgetops. Low temperatures may get down close to freezing in the valleys Sunday and Monday nights.

With large fuels burning over extended periods of time and the steep, rugged terrain, big trees rolling downhill while burning, spreading fire as they roll is an ongoing concern. Moisture in both live and dead vegetation in unburned areas is extremely dry from the persistent drought conditions. All fuels are extremely likely to catch fire when embers fly in the wind or rollout occurs. Anticipated moisture could temporarily reduce some of the threat, though extremely dry conditions are expected to continue through the end of the month.

September 17, 2021 at 8:43 AM

The Shasta-Trinity National Forest will remain closed until 11:59 P.M. tonight. The Monument Fire area closure remains in place, along with other local closure orders.  All Shasta-Trinity National Forest closures can be viewed on the forest website. Before going into the forest, please check the website and know what areas are open and where the forest is closed for public safety.

As of 10 A.M. on Thursday, evacuation warnings were lifted in several areas in the West Hayfork Valley area.  See below for remaining evacuation orders and warnings.

For questions about the River Complex Fire, please call the River Complex Fire Information Line at (707) 596-6075 or email 2021.river@firenet.gov.  Information about the River Complex can be found in InciWeb at www.inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7760

COMMUNITY MEETINGS: The next public meeting will be a virtual public meeting on Saturday at 6 P.M. People will be able to attend the event on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Facebook page, on Zoom or by calling 551-285-1373 (Meeting ID 160 206 3120).

MONUMENT FIRE:

Resources: 1,304 personnel, 27 hand crews, 79 engines, 10 helicopters, 15 dozers, 11 water tenders, 13 masticators, 2 excavators

Current Situation: The Monument Fire is approximately 217,120 acres and 50 percent contained.

Yesterday fire behavior was again active in the afternoon after the smoke inversion lifted. This allowed aircraft to support the crews with water and fire-retardant drops in the Dyer Creek area on the northwest of the fire and in Hobo Gulch on the northeast. In Canyon Creek structure defense preparation continued, with hose lays and mastication added along dozer contingency lines. On the southwest portion of the fire, the crews were mopping up and holding the lines built in the past few days, checking to see how things were holding in the afternoon winds. The rollout down into Hayfork Creek from the Hyampom Road was caught and crews worked on securing that during the day. Structure defense preparation continued around Trinity Village and the indirect line on the north side of the town strengthened. The lines were holding along the Denny Road with crews working on a few spots within the contingency lines.

Overnight fire behavior moderated and there were no issues or concerns holding the lines in most areas across the fire. In the northwest section, burning debris rolled downhill causing fire to spread west across Cow Creek.  Crews continued to strengthen lines to the south along Denny road and north along the dozer line to the east of Trinity Village to prevent further fire spread to the west.

Today all areas of the fire will concentrate on holding and securing the gains made, mopping up, preparing for structure protection, improving and deepening containment lines in anticipation of the increased winds and changing wind directions.

KNOB FIRE: The Knob Fire remains at approximately 2,421 acres and 100 percent contained. Fire behavior continues to be primarily isolated low-intensity surface fire within the control lines. No growth has been reported as the fire slowly consumes unburned fuels within the containment lines.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Today slightly cooler temperatures and higher humidity are expected, with smoke again being a large factor moderating fire behavior. Smoke is expected to clear west or northwest to east after 2 P.M. With increased sun on the fire and winds gusting up to 20 miles per hour, fire behavior is expected to increase. There is a chance that ridgetop winds will continue overnight in the northern part of the fire at higher elevations. Tomorrow gusty southwest winds are expected with some rainfall possible Saturday night.

With large fuels burning over extended periods of time and the steep, rugged terrain, big trees rolling downhill while burning, spreading fire as they roll is an ongoing concern. Moisture in both live and dead vegetation in unburned areas is extremely dry from the persistent drought conditions. All fuels are extremely likely to catch fire when embers fly in the wind or rollout occurs. Anticipated moisture could temporarily reduce some of the threat, though extremely dry conditions are expected to continue through the end of the month.

September 16, 2021 at 10:24 AM

There will be two face-to-face community meetings today. The first will be at the Hyampom Volunteer Fire Department in Hyampom at 11 A.M. The second will be in Hayfork at Hayfork Park off Highway 3 at 3 P.M. The meetings will be outdoors and include operations information about the Monument and Knob Fires and an opportunity for the public to ask questions.

There will be a virtual public meeting on Saturday at 6 P.M. People will be able to attend on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Facebook page, on Zoom or by calling in. Links and additional information will be available tomorrow.

MONUMENT FIRE:

Resources: 1,402 personnel, 26 hand crews, 95 engines, 12 helicopters, 16 dozers, 12 water tenders, 16 masticators

Current Situation: The Monument Fire is approximately 215,944 acres and 50 percent contained.

Yesterday fire behavior was active in the afternoon, after the smoke inversion lifted at approximately 4 P.M.  Fire flanked west into the wind above Hyampom Road and actively burned in pockets of green fuel inside the fire’s edge on the north side of the Hayfork Creek drainage.  The northwest side of the fire in the New River area began active burning earlier than other areas because smoke lifted and winds were brisk on the ridge tops. The clear air allowed aircraft to get over the fire, and fire retardant and water drops were successfully made in that area. Fire spread was limited in the drainage between Limestone and Backbone Ridge due to the north-northwest winds and smoke coverage but remained active.

Overnight the fire continued to be active until 4 A.M. this morning, when it moderated somewhat.  Crews were deepening containment lines on the southwest portion of the fire and caught and lined around one spot that went over the line. Burning debris rolling down hill near Hyampom Creek caused a 7-acre spot fire. Crews worked to prevent rollout in the Backbone Ridge area.  Burning around the Denny road was more moderate than other areas of the fire.

Today crews will continue to hold and mop up current lines, working to get ahead of rollouts and slop overs from last night, and preparing for an increase in fire activity once the smoke inversion lifts and winds increase this afternoon and evening.

KNOB FIRE: The Knob Fire remains at approximately 2,421 acres and 100 percent contained. Fire behavior continues to be primarily isolated low-intensity surface fire within the control lines. No growth has been reported as the fire slowly consumes unburned fuels within the containment lines.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Today the weather is expected to continue with similar temperatures and relative humidity as yesterday. Smoke is expected to moderate conditions again until early afternoon. Winds will blow from the west, so the first clearing and increase in winds is expected on the northwest corner of the fire near Trinity Village. The inversion is expected to lift on the northeast side of the fire an hour later. Winds may gust up to 20 miles per hour. A low-pressure trough will move through this weekend and is expected to cause gusty winds on Saturday and with a probability of some rainfall Saturday night and early Sunday morning.

ROAD CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS (Trinity County):

• Denny Road is closed at the intersection of Ziegler Point Road.
• Hyampom Road is closed between St John Road/Forest Service Road 10 and Lucky Jeep Trail (between Little Creek and James Creek.)
• Tule Creek Road at Jesse Road is closed to everyone except those with proof of residency.
• Big Creek Road, Soldier Creek Road, Barker Valley Road, Barker Creek Road, and Carr Creek Road are closed.
• Big French Creek Road and Big Mountain Road are closed.
• A segment ofState Route 299 between mile post 7.4 (near Burnt Ranch at Berg Road) and mile post 36.3 (just west of Helena) is open to through traffic and residents on the following schedule: Monday through Sunday, from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M., an escort vehicle leads traffic through the closure every 1.5 hours. Overnight, from 7 P.M. to 7 A.M., the road is open only to residents with proof of address.

EVACUATIONS (Trinity County): The following information was taken directly from Trinity County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page. Evacuation orders and warnings can be issued or change suddenly; if you have questions about evacuation boundaries, call Trinity County Sheriff’s Office at 530-623-2611.

• Order: All areas along Denny Road northeast from Zeigler Point Road through Denny proper to the Trinity Alps Wilderness boundary
• Order: All areas along Hyampom Road from Grassy Flat Road west to St. John Road. This includes Bar 717 Camp. All areas south of the intersection of FS Road 10/ St. John Road south to Sydney Lane. From Sydney Lane northeast through FS Road 10/ St. John Road to Oak Ridge
• Order: Intersection Tule Creek Road at Jesse Road, south along Tule Creek Road to intersection FS Road 31N31, west on Tule Creek Road/FS Road 10 to FS Road 7, west of FS Road 7 along Tule Creek Rd/FS Road 10 to Oak Ridge to FS Road 3N08. All areas along Tule Creek Road/FS Road 10 through Indian Valley. Roads and areas included are Land Acre Road, Mule Lovers Lane, Buck Gulch, Cow Gulch, and Tule Divide
• Order: All areas along Hyampom Road between Lucky Jeep Trail and Halfway Ridge

• Order: Helena/East Fork Road, Hobo Gulch Road, Big Mountain Road, and Big French Creek Road
• Warning:  All areas along both sides of Hyampom Road from Lucky Jeep Trail east to Cedar Gulch, including Fox Lane, Drink Water Gulch, Phares Lane, Turkey Track Road and Doctor Lane
• Warning: All areas in Hawkins Bar and Trinity Village north of State Route 299 between Suzie Q Road and Gray Falls Campground, including Suzie Q Road, Denny Road to Ziegler Point Road, Lone Pine Road, Big Oak Road, China Flat Road, Flame Tree Road, Coon Creek Road, Pony Creek Road, Gray Flat Road, Emerald City Lane, and Ammon Road
• Warning: All areas along Hyampom Road from Cedar Gulch to State Route 3 are under an Evacuation Warning. This includes Circle Drive, Highland Drive, North Vista Lane, Murray Lane and Bean Gulch and North Talco Way.
• Warning: All areas south of Hyampom Road along State Route 3 to Salt Creek Growers. All areas West on Tule Creek Road from State Route 3 to Jesse Lane
• Warning: All areas east of Hyampom Road, both north and south of State Route 3 to Big Creek Road. All areas south of Big Creek Road to Morgan Hill Road/ Coonrod Gulch. From Coonrod Gulch South West through Kingsbury Gulch to State Route 3.  This includes all of Hayfork proper
• Warning: Canyon Creek Road in Junction City

September 12, 2021 at 11:56 AM

A virtual community meeting for the Monument and Knob Fires will be held tonight, September 12, at 7 P.M. It will be livestreamed on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest’s Facebook page and on Zoom (meeting ID: 161 082 0265, meeting passcode: +tX1=6, meeting call-in number: 669-254-5252). Submit your questions prior to the meeting by emailing them to 2021.monument@firenet.gov.

Today, California Interagency Incident Management Team 5 (CA IIMT 5) will be transitioning with a new Type 1 team, the Northern Rockies Mountain Team 2, that will take command of the fire tomorrow at 6 A.M. This has been a long and difficult fire season for so many of you, and CA IIMT 5 has appreciated your cooperation and assistance during our assignment on the Monument and Knob Fires. Thank you.

MONUMENT FIRE:

Resources: 1,471 personnel, 25 hand crews, 97 engines, 9 helicopters, 27 dozers, 10 water tenders, 14 masticators

Current Situation: The Monument Fire is approximately 210,353 acres and 43 percent contained. This past week, firefighters were challenged by extreme fire behavior from a weather front that brought erratic, gusty winds. Weather conditions have now stabilized, allowing crews to make good progress on the active portions of the fire southwest of Hayfork, in the New River drainage, and along the East Fork North Fork Trinity River.

Today, in the New River drainage on the northwest side, the Hotshots will continue working to secure containment lines and keep the fire east of Denny Road.  With favorable weather conditions, crews should be able to make good progress completing containment lines and stopping the fire from moving westward.

On the northeast side, crews will continue constructing containment lines adjacent to the fire’s edge from the East Fork Road to the top of Backbone Ridge, stopping the fire from advancing south toward Barney Gulch Road. Crews have constructed handline and have fire hose around the spot fire on the east side of the East Fork North Fork Trinity River and will continue today to hold and strengthen those lines.  Backbone Ridge remains the primary containment line.

Near Hayfork, U.S. Forest Service and CAL FIRE continue to collaborate and coordinate suppression efforts to protect the residences west of Hayfork and prevent the fire from spreading eastward toward town. If conditions are favorable this afternoon, day-shift crews will continue the strategic firing operation along Butter Creek Road, further decreasing the likelihood that the fire will find an opening to advance into Hayfork. West along Butter Creek Road, crews are improving and widening handline and dozer line and vigilantly monitoring the area for spot fires.

Firefighters continue to find intense heat from burning trees and stumps along the Hyampom Road east of Grassy Flats and Pattison Ridge. Large boulders and burning trees frequently slide, fall, or roll onto the roadway. Engines and crews area working to extinguish hotspots and remove hazard trees that may fall on the roadway. To protect the public and firefighters, the road remains closed in the area east of Hyampom that is under an evacuation order issued by the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office.

KNOB FIRE:

Resources: 181 personnel, 4 hand crews, 24 engines, 2 dozers, 1 water tenders

Current Situation: The Knob Fire is approximately 2,421 acres and 100 percent contained.  Last night, crews completed the last section of containment line on Panther Ridge to secure the entire perimeter of the fire. Today, firefighters will still be in the area, looking for and extinguishing any smoldering trees, burning stumps and other hotspots.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: A warming and drying trend will extend into midweek. Relative humidity levels will trend lower today with increased temperatures. A weak shortwave weather pattern makes it way towards Northern California this afternoon, increasing winds this afternoon.

September 11, 2021 at 6:32 PM

Last night due to increased humidity and cooler temperatures, most areas around the fire’s perimeter saw minimal fire activity with the exception of the northwest side, east of Trinity Village.  Crews conducted a defensible firing operation along the Denny Road near Dyer Creek towards Bell Creek to stop the advancing fire front. 

Today, the priority is the northwest east of Trinity Village and in the southwest near Hayfork.  West of Hayfork, crews continue working to execute the existing plan of utilizing the Butter Creek Road to contain the fire. When conditions allow this afternoon, a defensible firing operation will be implemented to remove unburned vegetation between the road and the advancing fire.  

On the northwest side, the fire will become more active this morning due to prevailing winds and steep terrain.  Crews will continue firing operations along the Denny Road and provide structure defense. A second portable fire-retardant base is being established for helicopters at Burnt Ranch. Helicopters will be able to fill large buckets with retardant, from tanks on the ground, and transport it more quickly to areas on the north side of the fire.  

To the north, in the Trinity Alps Wilderness, the fire is currently 5 miles from the River Complex. There is no planned strategy to let the fires grow together. As firefighting resources become available, aggressive action will be taken to contain the fire.

On the fire’s northeast side, crews continue to strengthen the containment line from the East Fork Road up to Backbone Ridge.  A finger of the fire crossed over the East Fork North Fork Trinity River and crews continue to work on building a containment line around the active fire. Structure defense engines continue to work in the Canyon Creek area.

KNOB FIRE:

Resources: 191 personnel, 4 hand crews, 28 engines, 2 dozers, 1 water tenders

Current Situation: The Knob Fire is approximately 2,421 acres and 98 percent contained. On the fire’s northwest perimeter, approximately a quarter-mile section of fire line along Panther Ridge remains the priority. Firefighters will continue to strengthen the fire line on Panther Ridge as well as patrol the fire perimeter, extinguishing any visible hot spots.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: A more typical weather pattern is expected today as high pressure rebuilds over the area. A west-southwest flow aloft will increase temperatures and lower humidity.

Fire is sufficiently staffed and in place to meet completion date. Mop up has penetrated 600 feet from fire edge. Some smokes are still being found. Suppression repair continues, minimal smokes are being found, usually related to suppression repair opening berms and disturbing stump holes.

Firefighters significantly increased containment during today’s operational period to 90%. This was accomplished through direct line construction by hand crews and heavy machinery.

September 10, 2021 at 3:41 PM

The Monument Fire is approximately 204,436 acres and 45 percent contained. Yesterday’s Red Flag warning expired this morning, and weather conditions should be more favorable today. Widespread smoke and cloud cover through mid-afternoon will have a moderating effect on fire behavior. Fire activity is expected to increase this afternoon as the sun burns off last night’s moisture. 

Last night the fire was active in the northwest near Hoboken and on the south, southwest side near Hayfork.  Around midnight, rain began to fall on some areas of the fire, decreasing and moderating fire behavior.  Weather stations in the area reported one-tenth to two-tenths of an inch of rain.  Near Hoboken, crews continued through the night protecting structures and working on two spot fires between Bell Creek and New River. Near Hayfork crews continued to work on improving the containment line along Butter Creek Road to stop the fire from advancing to the west.

 Today, on the south and southwest side of the fire near Hayfork, the US Forest Service and CAL FIRE will continue coordinating and executing a defensible firing operation and strengthening firelines along Butter Creek Road. The goal is to bring the containment line eastward and connect it to the dozer line that was constructed west of town. Along Pattison Ridge, crews continue to improve containment lines south toward the Bar 717 Ranch. If conditions allow, a firing operation will be initiated to remove unburned vegetation between Pattison Ridge and the active fire front. 

On northwest side, near the Hoboken area, structure-protection firefighters and equipment remain in place. The fire has crossed to the westside of Byoff Road. Firefighters will look for opportunities to build direct containment lines to stop the advancing fire.

On the northeast side where the fire crossed Backbone Ridge and burned downslope to the East Fork Road north of Barney Gulch, the fire’s forward progression was slowed as it burned into the 2020 Hobo Fire. Firefighters are looking to utilize direct-suppression tactics (line construction at the fire’s edge), and bring that fire back into current containment lines. Structure-protection crews are working along the East Fork Road and in Canyon Creek.

KNOB FIRE:

Resources: 183 personnel, 3 hand crews, 28 engines, 2 water tenders

Current Situation: The Knob Fire is approximately 2,421 acres and 95 percent contained. Last night fire activity was minimal due to cooler temperatures and higher humidity. Today, crews continue to look for, and extinguish any burning or smoldering vegetation (trees, burning stumps, etc.) near the fire’s perimeter. Crews continue to strengthen containment lines along Panther Ridge and in Bloody Nose Creek drainage.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Cooler temperatures and improved relative humidity in the 20 percent range is expected in the wake of yesterday’s weather system. Breezy conditions are expected this afternoon with gusts around 20 miles per hour.

September 9, 2021 at 7:32 PM

Active fire behavior today with uphill runs and short-range spotting. A Red Flag Warning in effect until 5 AM Friday for Isolated dry lightning and gusty winds. Structures threatened with additional Evacuation Orders and Warning issued. Critical electrical transmission and distribution lines have been damaged. Threats to critical power, water and communication infrastructure, historical and cultural sites, critical wildlife habitat, private timberland, grazing land, and agriculture land. Impacts to multiple critical watershed and recreational sites. Hwy 299 is open with controls in place with road, area and trail closures in effect. Impacts to multiple critical watershed and recreational sites. Type 1, CA Team 5 (Young) in command. Type 1 NR team 2 (Turman) assigned, in brief 9/11.

September 7, 2021 at 6:53 PM

The Monument Fire is approximately 185,505 acres and 41% contained. Within the fire perimeter, two areas remain the focus: the north side, which is primarily in the Trinity Alps Wilderness, and the southwest side, which is east of Hyampom and northwest of Hayfork.  Suppression efforts are being implemented to protect the Trinity Alps Wilderness, the Trinity Wild and Scenic River, Inventoried Roadless Areas, and endangered species habitat.

Yesterday, the fire progressed downslope toward James Creek and Hyampom Road at a moderate pace. It reached Hyampom Road at a couple points east of Nine-Mile Bridge, where crews were positioned to hold the fire. However, weather conditions worsened and winds increased, causing the fire to spot in several locations south of Hyampom Road. Firefighters were able to suppress and contain most of the spot fires, but one became established south of Nine-Mile Bridge and is estimated to be around 300 acres.

Today, the highest priority will be to construct a containment line around the 300-acre spot fire south of Nine-Mile Bridge and to protect any structures south of Hyampom Road. Crews will also continue to work on Pattison Ridge securing containment lines and conducting firing operations toward Hayfork Creek. A mobile fire-retardant base has been established and is available to help fire suppression efforts along the southwest fire perimeter. As the smoke lifts, helicopters will be utilized to drop retardant and water in active fire areas.  On the northern perimeter, gusty winds are predicted this afternoon which will increase fire activity in the area below Thurston Peak in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Firefighters will continue to work on improving contingency lines along Backbone Ridge. The North Fork Trinity River is located in a deep drainage, sheltered from the wind, which has moderated fire activity. The fire had not crossed to the east side of the river.  Containment line elsewhere around the fire perimeter continues to be monitored and patrolled.

KNOB FIRE:

Resources: 229 personnel, 7 hand crews, 30 engines, 2 dozers, 2 water tenders

Current Situation: The Knob Fire is approximately 2,414 acres and 89% contained. Last night fire behavior was minimal, with no spotting outside of the fire perimeter.  Today, crews will continue to work on the north side strengthening and improving containment lines and extinguishing any hotspots within 300 feet of  the perimeter of the fire. 

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: Poor overnight humidity recovery and extremely dry, hot weather will persist through today. These conditions, combined with today’s gusty winds, have led incident meteorologists to issue a local Red Flag Warning that is in effect from 10 A.M. to 8 P.M. Incident firebehavior analysists have cautioned fire managers and crews that they will see atmospheric instability; hot, dry weather; winds aligning with topography; and dry vegetation, which will result in moderate to extreme fire behavior. Firefighters have been cautioned to expect long-range spotting and crown fires, particularly on the fire’s north side.

MONUMENT FIRE ROAD CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS (Trinity County):

•            East of Hyampom: Hyampom Road between Lucky Jeep Trail and Halfway Ridge

•            Northeast of Hayfork: Big Creek Road, Barker Valley Road, Barker Creek Road, Carr Creek Road

•            West of Junction City: Big French Creek Road, Big Mountain Road, Soldier Creek Road

•            A segment of State Route 299 between mile post 7.4 (near Burnt Ranch at Berg Road) and mile post 36.3 (just west of Helena) is open to through traffic and residents on the following schedule: Monday through Sunday, from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M., an escort vehicle leads traffic through the closure every 1.5 hours. Overnight, from 7 P.M. to 7 A.M., the road is open only to residents with proof of address.

KNOB FIRE ROAD CLOSURES (Humboldt County):

•            China Creek Road at Hodgson Road

•            Friday Ridge Road

•            Panther Road

September 6, 2021 at 10:26 AM

The Monument Fire is approximately 183,371 acres and 37% contained. Suppression efforts will be implemented to protect the values within the Trinity Alps Wilderness, the Trinity Wild and Scenic River, Inventoried Roadless areas and habitat for anadromous fish and other endangered and sensitive species. With control objectives achieved around the Hayfork area, the fire will no longer be in Unified Command. California Incident Management Team 5 will continue to coordinate suppression efforts with CAL FIRE’s Shasta Unit. CAL FIRE resources will continue patrolling and mopping up in the Hayfork area.

As containment increases on the Knob Fire, fire managers will shift firefighting resources to the southwest perimeter of the Monument Fire. The highest priority will be to secure the containment line along Hyampom Road. Over the next 5 to 7 days, hotshot crews will be conducting firing operations along Hyampom Road in order to reduce the available fuel in front of the advancing fire. The firing operations will intermittently restrict vehicle access into Hyampom.

Today, on the southwest perimeter, crews continue to improve containment lines along Hyampom Road for the planned firing operation. They are also working along Pattison Ridge to keep the fire in check as it moves downslope towards the Hyampom Road. On the northeast side at the North Fork Trinity River, resources continue to complete a section of handline along Backbone Ridge. The fire has not crossed to the eastern bank of the North Fork Trinity River and crews will continue to monitor fire activity. In all other areas of the fire, crews will continue to monitor and patrol existing containment lines and extinguish any hot spots.

The Knob Fire is approximately 2,414 acres and 82% contained. Fire behavior was minimal throughout the night and crews continued to patrol and mop up hot spots within the existing containment lines. Today, crews will continue to strengthen existing containment lines and patrol for any hot spots 300 feet within the fire perimeter area.

WEATHER AND FIRE BEHAVIOR: A strengthening high pressure system remains over the area bringing hotter and drier conditions. Ridgetop temperatures may reach 90 degrees and humidity will be in the single digits. These conditions, combined with expected wind gusts of 20 mph, have the potential to increase fire activity.

September 5, 2021 at 8:32 PM

The Monument Fire is approximately 181,617 acres and 37% contained. The Knob Fire is approximately 2,414 acres and 82% contained.

As containment on the fire increases, resources will transition to repair efforts while others will be demobilized. Motorists should drive cautiously and always yield to emergency vehicles that are traveling on and off of roads and highways. CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 5 has transitioned command of the South Zone back to the Shasta Trinity National Forest. USFS California Interagency Incident Management Team 5 will continue to manage both zones.

The priority for night-shift crews on the Knob Fire is to patrol and monitor the fire’s perimeter and suppress spot fires that could occur on the uncontained north side. The priority for crews on the Monument Fire tonight is the southwest side, where they will monitor and hold the fire north of Hyampom Road.

Monument Fire North Zone: Today, the fire did not cross any containment or check lines. Fire activity increased on the north side due to drier and hotter weather. The fire is getting active earlier in the morning and staying active later into the evening. In the next few days, the fire could be aggressive, and the chance of ignition from flying embers is high.

On the western side from New River to Denny, crews continued to monitor and improved containment lines. At the North Fork Trinity River, resources completed a section of handline along Backbone Ridge. Dead and down trees are generating a lot of interior heat that is detected on the overnight infrared flights. The fire has not crossed to the eastern bank of the North Fork Trinity River.

On the southern side, the fire remains north of Hyampom Road and containment lines are holding. The fire is slowly, but intensely, backing downslope toward Hyampom Road. Crews improved containment lines created for last night’s strategic firing operations. As smoke conditions allow, air resources are assisting ground crews with water drops. Crews continued to prepare the area for strategic firing operations.

Tonight, as conditions allow, crews may conduct strategic firing operations in the West Fork of Miners Creek and westward along Hyampom Road. These operations will reduce the available fuel in front of the advancing fire and improve containment lines.

ROAD CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS:

•            A segment of State Route 299—from post mile 36.3, just west of Helena to post mile 7.4, near Burnt Ranch at Berg Road—is open to through traffic and residents on the following schedule: An escort vehicle will lead traffic through the closure every 1.5 hours from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday. Overnight, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m., the road is open only to residents with proof of address. Exception: On Monday, September 6, the escort will operate every hour from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

•            Northeast of Hayfork: Big Creek Road, Barker Valley Road, Barker Creek Road, and Carr Creek Road

•            West of Junction City: Big French Creek Road, Big Mountain Road, and Soldier Creek Road

•            South of Willow Creek: Hodgson Road, Burwood Drive, Panther Road, and Butterfly Creek Road

MONUMENT FIRE EVACUATION ORDERS:

•            Helena/East Fork Road, Hobo Gulch Road, Big Mountain Road, and Big French Creek Road.

MONUMENT FIRE EVACUATION WARNINGS:

•            Denny Road east from Ziegler Point Road through Denny to the Trinity Alps Wilderness Area boundary

•            Section of Campbell Ridge Road and Woods Lane near the Trinity River along the Humboldt/Trinity County line

•            Canyon Creek Road in Junction City

For Trinity County evacuations, go to Trinity County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page or call 530-623-2611.

KNOB FIRE EVACUATION ORDERS:

•            Areas east of Brushy Mountain Lookout Road/FS Road 6N08A to State Route 299, south of Victor Creek to China Creek

•            Areas east of Brushy Mountain Lookout Road/FS Road 6N08A to the eastern perimeter of the Knob Fire south of China Creek to Friday Ridge Road

•            Areas east of Brushy Mountain Lookout Road/FS 6N08A to the South Fork Trinity River, south of Friday Ridge Road to the end of the FS Road 6N20

KNOB FIRE EVACUATION WARNINGS:

•            Areas of Boise Creek to the Humboldt/Trinity County line, south of the Trinity River to Victor Creek

•            Areas east of Highway 299 to the Humboldt/Trinity County line, south of Victor Creek to China Creek

•            Areas east of the Knob Fire perimeter to the Humboldt/Trinity County line, south of China Creek to Friday Ridge Road

For Humboldt County evacuations, go to humboldtsheriff.org, tinyurl.com/humcoevacmap, or call 707-268-2500.

EVACUATION CENTERS: 

•            McKinleyville Seventh Day Adventist, 1200 Central Avenue, McKinleyville

•            Fireman’s Hall Pavilion, 9 Park Street, Fortuna

•            First Baptist Church, 1261 Main Street, Weaverville

September 5, 2021 at 9:49 AM

Minimal fire activity has been observed from west of Cedar Gulch to north of Junction City; patrol of the control line is ongoing while crews are conducting back haul of equipment and supplies. North of Hyampom Road, firefighters are completing mop-up operations, snag tree removal and suppression repair. Hot spots within the fire perimeter near the Barker Creek burn scar are being cooled and helicopters maybe in the area assisting ground resources throughout the day. CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 5 will transition command of the South Zone back to the Shasta Trinity National Forest within the next 24 hours and USFS California Interagency Incident Management Team 5 will continue to manage both zones.

September 4, 2021 at 7:42 PM

West of Cedar Gulch, resources started back haul of equipment and supplies while patrol of the area is ongoing. North of Hyampom Road (which has opened to through traffic this morning) evacuation orders have been reduced to warnings. A Strike Team of engines (five engines and a leader) assisted by a helicopter, have been dousing the heat pocket near the Barker burn scar with deluges of water. The heat pocket is interior of the fire perimeter and not a threat to the fire line. The fire from Cedar Gulch to north of Junction City has not produced hot spots near the fire line or any calls for service.

September 3, 2021 at 5:12 PM

Removed from Warning:

South Junction City: The areas along Dutch Creek Road in Junction City, south of Soldier Creek Road, to the end of Dutch Creek Road, west of Johnson Point.

Southeast Hayfork: All areas south and east of State Route 3

September 3, 2021 at 12:59 PM

MONUMENT FIRE RESOURCES: 2,477 personnel, 38 hand crews, 157 engines, 20 helicopters, 54 dozers, 59 water tenders, 19 masticators

KNOB FIRE RESOURCES: 209 personnel, 7 hand crews, 18 engines, 1 dozer, 2 water tenders.

COMMUNITY MEETING: On Thursday, September 3, 2021, Fire Managers will hold a community meeting to provide an update on the Monument and Knob Fires. The meeting will be held at 6:00 P.M. at Willow Creek Bible Church, 39 Brannan Mountain Road, Willow Creek, CA.

CURRENT SITUATION: The Monument fire is estimated at 177,222 acres and 33% contained. The Knob Fire is estimated at 2,798 acres and 52% contained. The highest priorities continue to be the Knob Fire and the southwest portion of the Monument Fire above Hyampom Road.

Monument Fire North Zone: Last night crews continued to improve containment lines and mop up any hot spots. Inside the fire’s northern perimeter, the fire continues to be active with short runs and tree torching observed. In the south, crews continued to mop up and patrol areas along Hyampon Road. Today firefighters will continue to improve contingency lines in the Hyampom Road area. Resources will scout locations for a potential dozer line from Bear Creek up to Panther Creek. At New River, crews will continue to improve containment lines and monitor fire activity. In the North Fork Trinity River area, the fire has not crossed the river and crews will continue to watch for spotting across the river. In the Weaverville area, crews continue to patrol and mop up hot spots and look for opportunities to strengthen containment lines.

Monument Fire South Zone (including the communities of Weaverville, Hayfork and Junction City): Please visit the CAL FIRE Shasta -Trinity Unit Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/CALFIRESHU

Knob Fire: Last night good progress was made on the northern portion of the fire with crews building containment line towards Willow Creek and State Route 299. Today, crews will mop and patrol for hot spots west of the structures along State Route 299.

They will also continue to strengthen containment lines from the South Fork Trinity River up to Friday Ridge and along FS Road 6N13. Firefighters will also continue building containment lines on the west perimeter and along Panther Ridge.

WEATHER: A warming trend and slight easterly wind over the fire may increase fire activity and the dispersal of smoke.

ROAD CLOSURES AND RESTRICTIONS:

Monument Fire: State Route 299 – The eastside Monument Fire closure on State Route 299 has now been moved just west of Rose Road and Big Flat Campground. The westside closure point remains in place in Burnt Ranch just east of School House Road. Traffic will be lead through the Monument Fire closure every 1.5 hours beginning at 7:00 A.M. with the last opening scheduled for 7:00 P.M., Monday through Friday. For Labor Day weekend (Saturday, September 4 through Monday, September 6), traffic openings will be at the top of every hour between 7:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. During the Nighttime hours 7:00 P.M. to 7:00 A.M. only emergency personnel and residents with proof of resident will be allowed to travel on the road.

Other Road Closures: Hyampom – Hyampom Road at Nine Mile Bridge east to Hyampom Road at Cedar Creek Road. Hayfork-Carr Creek Road, Barker Creek Road, Barker Valley Road and Big Creek Road. Burnt Ranch–State Route 299 between Helena and Burnt Ranch are subject to intermittent closures. Junction City-Soldier Creek Road. Big French Creek north of State Route 299 and Big Mountain Road.

Knob Fire: State Route 299 – Controlled traffic at various locations from 0.7 miles east of the Junction of State Route 96 and Panther Creek Road (Humboldt County) to 0.9 miles east of the Humboldt/Trinity County line. Other road closures in the Knob Fire include China Creek Road at Hodgson Road, Burwood Drive, Gypo Lane, Friday Ridge Road, Panther Road and Butterfly.

MONUMENT FIRE EVACUATION ORDERS: Hayfork – Brady Road–West from Brady Road to Nine Mile Bridge, including Highland Drive, and all roads off of Highland Drive, Cedar Gulch.

KNOB FIRE EVACUATION ORDERS: Areas east of Brushy Mountain Lookout Road/FS Road 6N08A to State Route 299, south of Victor Creek to Butterfly Creek Road. Areas east of Brushy Mountain Lookout Road/FS Road 6N08A to the Trinity River, south of Butterfly Creek Road to the end of FS Road 6N20.

MONUMENT FIRE EVACUATION WARNINGS: Hayfork – Everything north of State Route 3, from Brady Road to Hayfork Summit. Hayfork–Everything South of State Route 3, from Hayfork Summit to State Route 3 at Hyampom Road and State Route 3 at Tule Creek Road. Everything off of Morgan Hill Road, and Oak Avenue. Areas between Oak Avenue and State Route 3. Junction City – the end of Dutch Creek Rd. Coffee Creek and Trinity Center – all areas west of State Route 3 from Long Canyon to Rams Horn Rd; Coffee Creek proper and Trinity Center proper. Big Flat, Big Bar, and Del Loma. Trinity Village, Hawkins Bar and Denny.

KNOB FIRE EVACUATION WARNINGS: Areas east of Boise Creek to the Humboldt/Trinity County Line, south of the Trinity River to Victor Creek. Salyer – All of South Fork, south of State Route 299.

EVACUATION CENTERS:

Monument Fire: McKinleyville Seventh Day Adventist, 1200 Central Avenue, McKinleyville, CA; Fireman’s Hall Pavilion, 9 Park Street, Fortuna, CA; First Baptist Church, 1261 Main Street, Weaverville, CA.

Knob Fire: McKinleyville Seventh Day Adventist, 1200 Central Avenue, McKinleyville, CA; First Baptist Church, 1261 Main Street, Weaverville, CA.

September 3, 2021 at 7:53 AM

Reconnaissance flights yesterday afternoon confirmed drift smoke has been lingering within the fire perimeter and is not a cause for concern. Firefighters continue to monitor the fire line and extinguish any hot spots from north of Junction City to Cedar Gulch. Near Barker Valley Road firefighters are proceeding with additional mop-up operations in an area of concentrated heat. West of Cedar Gulch, snag removal, hazard mitigation and continued strengthening of the line along Hyampom Road are a priority for today.

September 2, 2021 at 6:53 PM

Today, resources responded to several calls from community members near Junction City to investigate reports of smoke; this resulted in crews identifying drift smoke that was lingering nearby and not a cause for concern. From the North/South zone boundary to Cedar Gulch as well as the Barker Valley Road area firefighters continued patrolling the fire line as well as extinguishing any areas of heat with mop-up operations. West of Cedar Gulch and north of Hyampom Road near Fox Lane, crews are increasing the fire line depth to 300 feet with mop-up. This will fully secure the fire line to Hyampom Road where firefighters continue to mitigate hazards near and on the roadway as well as continuing to patrol for any new smokes.

September 2, 2021 at 8:07 AM

The fire north of Junction City to Cedar Gulch remains in patrol status as firefighters begin the “backhaul” process of removing tools, equipment and supplies from the fire line. In the Garden Gulch area, crews are completing mop-up operations several hundred feet into the fire’s perimeter.

West of Cedar Gulch, north of Hyampom Road near Fox Lane, the fire is being held at the fire line and firefighters are conducting hazard mitigation, mop-up operations and patrol. West of Fox Lane the fire has been secured to Hyampom Road and crews are aggressively strengthening the fire line by conducting snag tree removal and 300 feet of mop-up from the fires edge. The contingency line near Drinkwater Gulch, south to Tule Creek Road is fully established.

September 1, 2021 at 6:36 PM

North of Junction City to Cedar Gulch, minimal fire activity has been observed while crews are conducting mop-up operations and patrol. North of Hyampom Road, west of Cedar Gulch, the fire is being held at the containment line near Fox Lane. West of Fox Lane where the fire breached the fire line yesterday, the fire is backing down-hill toward Hyampom Road and is terrain driven with little influence from winds. Resources are concentrated in this area conducting fire line construction and are prepositioned, should fire activity increase. From Rucsh Creek south towards Tule Creek Road, contingency line continues to be established and reinforced.

September 1, 2021 at 8:06 AM

From the North/South Zone boundary to Cedar Gulch, mop-up operations continued extending 300 feet into the fire perimeter and patrol around the clock are occurring as all additional resources are working the active fire line west of Hayfork. North of Hyampom Road, increased fire movement, daily spot fires and fire line breaches continue to challenge firefighter efforts to hold the fire line. Crews remain aggressively engaged in suppression actions and containment line construction with the fire being held at Hyampom Road. Indirect fire line strengthening and contingency line construction from Rusch Creek to Tule Creek is ongoing.

CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 5 is meeting daily with Trinity County Sherriff’s office, CHP, California Interagency Incident Management Team 5, assisting agencies and stakeholders to evaluate the existing evacuation warnings and orders. The goal is to safely repopulate these communities in collaboration as soon as possible.

August 31, 2021 at 7:34 PM

Knob Fire: 1,236 acres brush and timber, 0% contained. Moderate fire behavior today with flanking, backing, torching reported. Structures threatened with Evacuation Orders and Warnings issued. Powerlines and communication infrastructure threatened. Threat to State Hwy. 299, Brush Mountain lookout, private timberland, and to critical wildlife habitat. Ca Type 1 Team 5 (Young) in command.

Active fire behavior today with torching, uphill runs and short range spotting observed.. Structures threatened with additional Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain. Repopulation is ongoing were safely possible. Critical electrical transmission and distribution lines have been damaged. Threats to critical power, water and communication infrastructure, historical and cultural sites, critical wildlife habitat, private timberland, grazing land and agriculture land. Impacts to multiple critical watershed and recreational sites. Hwy 299 is open to local residents and emergency personnel only with additional road, area and trail closures in effect. Impacts to multiple critical watershed and recreational sites. Unified Command: Type 1, CA Team 5 (Young) & Cal Fire Team 5 (Parkes) in command. CA Team 5 (Young) has command of the North Zone, Cal Fire Team 5 has command of South Zone.

August 31, 2021 at 7:33 PM

West Hayfork Evacuation Order:

All areas along the south side of Hyampom Road, from Nine Mile Bridge, east to Cedar Gulch Road, this includes Drinkwater Gulch, Phares Lane, Doctor Lane, Turkey Track Road, Old Haywagon Road and Digger Road.

Road Closures:

Nine-mile bridge east to State Route 3 at Hyampom road and Ceder Gulch Rd at Hyampom Rd.

Notes:

Be aware the Shasta Trinity National Forest has closed all areas within its boundary, including National Forest Roads to public use.

August 31, 2021 at 8:13 AM

From the North/South Zone boundary to Cedar Gulch firefighters are building depth to the fire line with mop-up operations and patrol. Crews are constantly chasing spot fires from Cedar Gulch to north of Hyampom Road. Contingency line construction continues along the north edge of Hyampom Road connecting established lines near Rusch Creek that will protect the western edge of Hayfork.

CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 5 is meeting daily with Trinity County Sherriff’s office, Trinity County EOC, and CHP to evaluate the existing evacuation warnings and orders. The goal is to safely repopulate these communities in collaboration with our stakeholders as soon as possible

August 30, 2021 at 6:36 PM

CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 5 is meeting daily with Trinity County Sheriff’s office, Trinity County EOC, and CHP to evaluate the existing evacuation warnings and orders. The goal is to safely repopulate these communities in collaboration with our stakeholders as soon as possible.

Contingency line construction near Helena, with resources from both zones is ongoing and will assist in the protection of Junction City and Weaverville from future fire threats. Reinforcement of established fire line, mop-up and patrol continue from the North/South zone boundary to Cedar Gulch. Several small spot fires west of Cedar Gulch and north of Hyampom Road were observed and extinguished; crews will continually monitor this area and secure the fire line overnight.

August 30, 2021 at 3:50 PM

Evacuation Orders and Warnings for Willow Creek Area

An EVACUATION ORDER is in effect for residents in:

Areas west of Hwy 299 to the end of China Creek, South of Butterfly Creek Road to Christian School Road, excluding residents on Christian School Road.

Areas west of Forest Route 6N33 to the end of Fourmile Creek, south of Christian School Road to Friday Ridge Road.

An EVACUATION WARNING is in effect for:

Areas east of Hwy 299 to the Trinity River, South of Panther Creek Road to Butterfly Creek Road;

Areas east of Hwy 299 to the Trinity River, South of Butterfly Creek to Christian School Road, including residents on Christian School Road;

Areas east of Forest Route 6N33 to the Trinity River, South of Gypo Lane to Friday Ridge Road
Residents under an evacuation warning should prepare for potential evacuations, including personal supplies and overnight accommodations. Be ready to go at a moment’s notice.

A map of evacuation zones is available at tinyurl.com/humcoevacmap

August 30, 2021 at 8:07 AM

Fire crews that were previously working near Helena have been utilized for a new fire start (Knob Fire) south of Willow Creek. Containment line from the Junction City area to Maxwell Creek is holding well and firefighters are continuing to patrol. Fuels are critically dry and receptive to ignition; near Maxwell Creek the fire spotted over the fire line and crews were successful in its containment.

Pockets of heat are still present along the fire perimeter in the Barker Creek Road area; crews are identifying these pockets and continuing with mop-up operations. Firefighters west of Barker Creek to Cedar Gulch are improving containment lines and mopping up.

North of Hyampom Road to Little Creek and Sims Gap, fire line construction to the west is being secured and strengthened. The contingency line from Hyampom Road to Tule Creek Road is near completion.

August 29, 2021 at 9:35 AM

Resources from North and South Zones are working together to construct fire line near Helena; the line in this area provides protection for Junction City and Weaverville from future fire threats. Crews conducting tactical patrol from Helena to Maxwell Creek, continue to observe minimal fire activity. From Maxwell Creek to Browns Ranch Road, the fire line is holding and mop-up of hot spots along the line continues. Firefighters are strengthening the containment lines near Cedar Gulch and are establishing fire line west towards Hyampom Road, and north towards Sims Gap. From Hyampom Road south to Tule Creek Road, contingency lines are being established and secured.

A virtual community meeting will be held at 6:00 P.M. Wednesday, September 1st. The meeting will be live streamed on the CAL FIRE Shasta-Trinity Unit Facebook page, CAL FIRE IMT 5’s YouTube channel and Shasta Trinity National Forest Facebook page.

August 28, 2021 at 10:40 AM

The South Zone is assisting the North Zone, near Helena, to construct and secure containment line, protecting the communities of Junction City and Weaverville. From the North Zone/South Zone break, within the Coopers Bar area, to Maxwell Creek, firefighters are in patrol status. Near Garden Gulch Lane, fire activity has moderated due to smoke cover; fire crews are reinforcing fire line, conducting mop-up and patrol.

From Barker Valley Road to Browns Ranch Road, crews have held the fire perimeter within the containment line and will continue to patrol. In the Cedar Gulch area, containment efforts are being challenged due to heavy fuels burning next to the line. West of Cedar Gulch, crews have secured the line and are working towards completing indirect and contingency lines towards Drinkwater Gulch and north to Sims Gap.

August 27, 2021 at 7:19 PM

Today, crews from the South Zone assisted the North Zone to secure the fire line north of the Helena area. The fire perimeter from the Zone break, near Coopers Bar, down to Maxwell creek is holding. Crews continue to secure the line and mopup adjacent to the Zone Break by Coopers Bar. Firefighters are constructing direct line to contain fire that breached the fire perimeter several days ago in the Maxwell Creek area. Steep terrain and rolling material have hampered containment efforts. Fire crews are constructing direct line on the spot fire, near Garden Gulch Lane, and the fire perimeter between Barker Creek Road (Barker fire scar) and the Carter Road area (north of Hayfork) is holding well. Crews are working hard to secure the fire line in the Cedar Gulch area; construction of direct fire line and mop-up continue as dozers worked to complete the contingency line in the Sims Gap area. Contingency line construction will resume from the southwest side of the fire to Tule Creek Road to protect the community of Hayfork.

A virtual community meeting will be held at 6:00 P.M. tomorrow, August 28. The meeting will be live streamed on the CAL FIRE Shasta-Trinity Unit Facebook page, CAL FIRE IMT 5’s YouTube channel and Shasta Trinity National Forest Facebook page.

August 27, 2021 at 8:31 AM

Resources continue to be shared between both North and South Zones of the Monument Fire, as containment line is completed and reinforced. From Junction City to the end of Dutch Creek Road, firefighters are holding the fire line and patrolling the area. Near Maxwell Creek, crews are reinforcing the line and extinguishing hot spots. In the Barker Creek area, firefighters have completed containment line, are conducting line improvements and mop-up operations. West from Barker Creek to Cedar Gulch, no forward movement of the fire was observed, and crews continue to patrol the area. Containment lines are established in the Cedar Gulch area, firefighters are strengthening the line and extinguishing hot spots. Northwest of Cedar Gulch, crews are constructing direct fire line working towards the North Zone border, north of Sims Gap. The priority for Hyampom Road and the Sims Gap area will be construction of contingency lines.

Warming temperatures will be moderated today by the return of dense smoke over portions of the fire. A northwest wind will remain above the fire; however, winds will generally be terrain driven. Humidity will fall to mid-teens where the smoke has cleared.

A virtual community meeting will be held at 6:00 P.M. Saturday, August 28th, 2021. The meeting will be live streamed on the CAL FIRE Shasta-Trinity Unit Facebook page, CAL FIRE IMT 5’s YouTube channel and Shasta Trinity National Forest Facebook page.

August 26, 2021 at 7:55 PM

The fire line continues to hold near Junction City, Dutch Creek drainage and Evans Bar; crews continue to mop-up and reinforce the fire perimeter. In the Shake Ridge area, crews are strengthening control lines, conducting mop-up and patrol. In the area near Barker Creek Road, where the fire continues to challenge the fire line, firefighters are pacing the fires progression and constructing containment line on the fires edge. From Barker Creek to Cedar Gulch, fire crews worked throughout the day to bolster containment lines and extinguish hot spots. The fire is active west of Cedar Gulch, as firefighters engage directly to extinguish spot fires.

Slightly higher temperatures and lower humidity are expected to continue through the weekend, residents are reminded to remain vigilant and be prepared to evacuate in the event that fire activity changes.

August 26, 2021 at 8:53 AM

Near Junction City, Dutch Creek drainage and Evans Bar, the fire line is holding and fire crews continue to patrol and conduct mop-up operations, increasing the depth of the containment line. From Dutch Creek Road to Maxwell Creek, crews are experiencing rolling debris, due to steep terrain, which has hampered firefighters efforts to reinforce fire lines. Increased fire activity, in the Barker Creek Road area (including the old Barker fire scar,) resulted in fire crossing the containment line. Fire crews aggressively engaged the fire, stopping the forward progress and will continue to strengthen and reinforce the containment line. From Barker Creek Road west to the Cedar Gulch area, the fire perimeter is holding, and minimal fire activity was observed. West of Cedar Gulch, fire behavior significantly increased causing several spot fires into nearby neighborhoods. A surge of firefighters from other areas of the fire responded to this section and diligently defended structures while establishing fire line. With the response from fire crews and their efforts, no structures were reported as damaged or destroyed in this area.

Temperatures will increase today with lowering afternoon relative humidity and increased wind activity across the fire. Stronger, terrain driven, west winds are expected late afternoon and early evening.

August 25, 2021 at 8:08 AM

Crews continue to reinforce and patrol the fire line in the Junction City and Dutch creek drainage areas. From Maxwell Creek to Barker Creek Road, firefighters are strengthening containment lines; if conditions allow today, aircraft may be used to reinforce the fire line. Resources are maintaining the fire perimeter between Barker Creek Road and Big Creek by conducting mop-up and patrol. In the Cedar Gulch area, crews completed direct fire line despite an increase in fire activity on the north eastern side of Hayfork. Crews are actively engaged with direct suppression efforts. West of Cedar Gulch, coordination with the North Zone is ongoing to connect contingency line between the two zones.

Conditions will cool slightly today with smoke partially clearing over the Hayfork area in the afternoon hours, mainly over the southern edge of the fire. Stronger terrain driven winds are expected late afternoon into the early evening with gusts as late as 6:00 P.M. but will diminish overnight. Relative humidity values will recover to a moderate level.

August 24, 2021 at 9:05 AM

The fire line near Junction City remains in patrol status and some evacuation orders have been reduced to evacuation warnings allowing residents to repopulate in some areas. In the Dutch Creek drainage, crews will strengthen the fire line and continue tactical patrol. Steep terrain and limited access from Dutch Creek to Maxwell Creek is impeding firefighter efforts as burning debris rolls down-slope creating spot fires across the fire line. From Maxwell Creek to the Barker Creek Road area, crews continue to construct fire line and eliminate pockets of unburned fuel. Near Barker Creek to Cedar Gulch, the fire perimeter is holding at the fire line and crews will strengthen the line and patrol the area. West of Cedar Gulch, crews continue to chase and contain spot fires while constructing fire and contingency lines.

Warming and drying conditions will continue today while dense smoke partially clears in the afternoon hours in the Hayfork area. Stronger terrain driven winds are expected late afternoon into early evening and will diminish overnight with moderate humidity recovery.

August 23, 2021 at 6:52 PM

Active fire behavior with flanking, backing and uphill runs observed. Structures threatened with Evacuation Orders and Warnings in effect. Repopulation is occurring were safely possible. Electrical transmission and distribution lines have been damaged. Threats to critical power, water and communication infrastructure including the Hayfork Lookout and associated communication infrastructure threatened. Highway 299 remains closed. Unified Command: (North Zone) Alaska Type 1 Team (McDonald), & (South Zone) Cal Fire Team 5 (Parkes).

August 23, 2021 at 1:05 PM

Trinity County, Evacuation Orders Reduced to Evacuation Warnings.

Evacuation Warning

The areas along SR 299, West of Oregon Summit to Cemetery Road. This area includes Eagle Rock Quarry, Slattery Pond, Sky Ranch Road, Red Hill Road, Canyon Creek Road north to Ripstein Campground, Upper Road, Powerhouse Road, Valdor Road, Lake Road, the Eastern most section of Hocker Meadow Road and all of Coopers Bar Estates. Dutch Creek Road, Evans Bar and Solider Creek will remain closed. The road closure will be on Dutch Creek Road, south of the intersection of Dutch Creek Road and Red Hill Road. There will be a road closure at SR 299 at Sky Ranch Road. Residents and Emergency personnel only will be allowed access to the above listed open areas. East Fork/ Helena Road will remain closed.

ROAD CLOSURES: Dutch Creek Road at Red Hill Road. Highway 299 at Sky Ranch Road. Both road closures are open to residents and emergency responders only.

It was a quiet night on the North Zone of the fire as night crews continued to establish and improve control lines, utilize small tactical burnouts, patrol roadways and complete preparation work for planned firing operations.

Today, crews will continue prepping the communities of Hawkins Bar and Trinity Village in the event the fire spots across the New River. The fire is slowly backing down Ironside Mountain east of the river and crews are monitoring the Bell Flat area for any spot fires that may pop up west of the river. Firefighters are working with the local fire department to help homeowners Firewise their properties while also opening up historic dozer lines that have been put in over the years for other fires. Dozers are prepping Denny Road as a possible control line and putting in a dozer line on Hoboken Ridge, which will be plumbed with hose, pumps and portable water tanks.

There was increased fire activity on the north perimeter of the fire in the Big French Creek area late Sunday afternoon as smoke temporarily cleared out and allowed the sun to hit the fire. A smoke column was visible from the increased activity as the fire advances north into the Trinity Alps Wilderness. That area is too steep and rugged to insert crews.

Crews are continuing work on the East Fork Road, which will be used as a control line should the fire cross the North Fork Trinity River. Crews have cut brush and snags along the road for about 10 miles to Hobo Gulch Campground. They will be plumbing the road with hose, pumps and portable water tanks to provide a water source for firefighters. A crew will also be working to complete a small section of control line that will tie into an existing dozer line in Canyon Creek today and tomorrow.

On the south end of the fire, engine crews will be patrolling the containment line from Corral Bottoms Road all the way to Burnt Ranch looking for hot spots or slop-overs. Crews are mopping up after firing operations in the Knowles Gulch area and holding that line as the fire tries to push west. Dozers and masticators are working to put in a control line across Pattison Ridge and down the Pattison Peak Jeep Trail while crews scout for a route to push the control line to the east to box in that section of the fire. Crews will also begin prepping the Bar 717 Ranch and other Forest inholdings with dozer lines and assess structure protection needs in the area west of Pattison Ridge.

August 22, 2021 at 6:57 PM

Firefighters have secured the fire line near Junction City and continue tactical patrol to ensure the fire stays within the fire perimeter. In the Dutch Creek Drainage, the fire continues to slowly move down slope towards Dutch Creek Road where firefighters are holding the line.

From Dutch Creek Road to Maxwell Creek, containment efforts are being challenged as steep terrain and critically dry fuels contribute to fire spread outside the line. From Maxwell Creek to the west, dozers and handcrews continue to construct, reinforce, and secure fire line. Minimal surface wind allowed smoke to remain over the majority of the fire which limited fire behavior. Additionally, as fire has reached lighter fuels on the southeast flank, increased rates of spread increased flame lengths have occurred.

August 22, 2021 at 8:21 AM

Last night’s fire activity was minimal with backing and flanking fire that contributed to complete fuel consumption in some areas. This helped firefighters maintain and improve direct fire line in the Dutch Creek drainage and around the spot fire to the east. The fire line near Junction City continues to be strengthened and has helped keep the fire perimeter within the line. Protection of communities continues to the top priority for all resources and tactical patrols will continue. North of Hayfork direct fire line construction continues from west of Maxwell Creek to the west.

Smoke is expected to clear which may create the potential for active fire behavior; fire in alignment with drainages and slopes in combination with dry fuels will support short, rapid uphill runs, with short- and long-range spotting.

August 21, 2021 at 8:01 PM

Extended extreme drought, fuel conditions, rugged terrain and spot fires continue to challenge firefighters. Active fire growth is expected in areas where smoke clears under the influence of critically dry fuels.

Firefighters continue to keep the fire within the Dutch Creek drainage to prevent progression towards Oregon Mountain, Weaverville and Douglas City. The fire has not crossed the Trinity River to the east. Fire crews are working to improve the Sierra Pacific Industries road system to utilize it as direct fire line north of Hayfork.

Firefighters continue to make progress in containing the spot fire in the Maxwell Creek area.

A combination of direct and indirect strategies are used to limit fire spread to the south towards Hayfork, Douglas City, Hyampom, and private timber plantations.

August 21, 2021 at 11:57 AM

The Monument Fire is currently estimated at 145,357 acres with 16% containment, an increase of approximately 3,000 acres and 6% containment from yesterday. The increased containment is a product of newly secured line along the intertie on the southern perimeter of the fire north of Pattison Ridge.

Clearer skies could mean increased fire behavior today in the North Zone if winds out of the northwest develop and push smoke out of the area as forecast. That was evidenced Friday night when smoke began to clear out on the northwest side of the fire and activity intensified, resulting in a 50-acre spot in the Bell Flat area west of the New River. The spot fire demanded immediate attention to keep the fire from getting established west of the river and spreading toward the communities of Hawkins Bar and Trinity Village.

Fire managers reacted quickly and aggressively, launching three helicopters to drop water on the spot fire while firefighters on the ground mobilized to the scene. A strike team of 5 engines and a six-person squad attacked the fires on the ground. Helicopters dropped more than 51,000 gallons of water on the two spots and firefighters worked until 1 a.m. getting a hose lay and control line around the fire. The fire was reported to be holding as of Saturday morning. Crews will be mopping up and securing the spot fire today. Air attack personnel reported no other spot fires on the west side of the New River as of late Friday night.

Elsewhere last night, crews continued to mop up and strengthen control lines in the Haypress area east of Pattison Ridge. Firing operations were used to keep in front of the main fire as it advances west along the ridge. Firefighters used check lines put in by dozers on top of the ridge as anchor points for firing operations.

Today, heavy equipment will be mobilized to Hoboken Ridge to begin putting in a dozer line along the ridge west of the New River to serve as a contingency
line should the fire breach the New River toward Hawkins Bar and Trinity Village. The fire continues to back down the west side of Ironside Mountain to the river. Efforts are focused on keeping the fire south and east of the river. Firefighters will also be assessing structures in Hawkins Bar and Trinity Village to begin developing a protection plan should the fire spot across the river and advance to the west toward those communities.

Further to the east, crews will continue cutting brush and hazard trees north along East Fork Road to Hobo Gulch Campground to prepare it as a potential control line to keep the fire west of Weaverville.

On the south side of the North Zone, crews will continue improving the dozer line being put in along Pattison Ridge, laying and plumbing hose to help keep the fire in Haypress in check. Work on a dozer line to the west across Pattison Ridge and south down the Pattison Ridge Jeep Trail will continue as crews look for a way connect it to another dozer line being constructed by CAL FIRE west of Hayfork.

Firefighters will continue to patrol the Highway 299 corridor in the communities of Del Loma, Big Bar and Burnt Ranch, as well as the 60 Road south of Burnt Ranch in the Underwood area.

The Alaska IMT is coordinating with the Trinity County Sheriff daily to evaluate evacuation levels with firefighter and public safety the highest priority. Fire managers are doing everything possible to get residents back into their homes as quickly as possible.

South Zone:

Overnight, the fire growth was slowed due to persistent smoke inversion allowing firefighters to continue making progress with line construction. Some areas where the line is holding well, firefighters are conducting mop-up and patrol. In Junction City, the containment line continues to hold well with very little fire progression. Near Dutch Creek Road firefighters are reinforcing the fire line, as the fire is backing down off the ridge into the Dutch Creek drainage. To the west of Douglas City, there was a 150-acre spot fire near Maxwell Creek area that is now included with the main body of the fire. Crews today will keep the fire to the west of Maxwell Creek. Deep canyons and steep terrain are challenging firefighting efforts. Firefighters are accessing Maxwell Creek to construct direct fire line at the fires edge around the spot fire southeast of Car Creek Road. North of Hayfork, firefighters are continuing to reinforce the fire line and are moving from the east to the west connecting the North and South Zone portions of the fire.

Weather: Heavy smoke is expected to hang over the fire once again this morning but smoke will clear out on the west side of the fire late in the morning or early afternoon. Smoke will continue to blanket the south and east portions of the fire. Stronger northwest winds will bring slightly stronger gusts to the ridges in the afternoon and enhance upcanyon winds into the early evening with possible funneling in aligned ridges. As the smoke cap lifts, fire activity may increase. High temperatures will be in the mid-70s to mid-80s with minimum relative humidities of 20-35%.

August 20, 2021 at 8:57 AM

The fire remained active on all flanks with uphill runs, torching and short-range spotting. Firefighters conducted a successful firing operation overnight near Dutch Creek. This will help widen and strengthen the containment line in that area. Due to limited access to many areas and steep terrain, it continues to challenge firefighter’s ability to gain containment.

Fire behavior will test fire crews as winds will change to a northwest direction. As this occurs, the smoke layer over the fire will dissipate causing a rise in temperatures, a rapid decrease in relative humidity and critically low fuel moistures.

Trinity County Sheriff’s Office has increased law enforcement presence throughout the fire area. Additional personnel from neighboring departments are assisting with evacuations and property protection.

CAL FIRE damage inspection teams will continue to make assessments in affected areas.

August 19, 2021 at 8:11 PM

The fire is fuel driven as a result of extended and extreme drought conditions with influence of steep slopes and winds. Northeast winds brought active fire behavior and lower relative humidity. Consistent fire spread was observed in all fuel types, but accelerated in lighter fuels with a southwest exposure. Smoke from nearby fires continued to influence fire behavior.

Firefighters continue to minimize impacts to residents, critical infrastructure, commercial timberland and surrounding communities. Ground resources continue to construct strategic primary and secondary contingency fire lines while improving and reinforcing direct fire line.

Trinity County Sheriff’s Office has increased law enforcement presence throughout the fire area. Additional personnel from neighboring departments are assisting with evacuations and property protection.

CAL FIRE damage inspection teams will continue to make assessments in affected areas.

August 19, 2021 at 8:23 AM

Moderate fire behavior was observed overnight which enabled firefighters to make limited progress in suppression efforts. Fire activity was active on all flanks with uphill runs, torching and long-range spotting. Resources worked to hold and minimize spread on the southeastern portion of the fire. Multiple spots were located and are being suppressed.

Today, firefighters will continue to actively provide structure defense, construct direct and indirect fire line and mop-up operations.

Extreme drought, winds and receptive fuels have challenged containment efforts. Observed winds were lighter than predicted yesterday. Smoke from fires in the surrounding area is assisting firefighters in suppression actions by moderating fire behavior.

August 19, 2021 at 7:38 AM

Active fire behavior with long-range spotting observed. Structures threatened with additional Evacuation Orders and Warnings issued and in effect. Electrical transmission and distribution lines have been damaged. Threats to critical power, water and communication infrastructure, Trinity River Watershed and recreational sites, private timberland and grazing allotments, historical/cultural sites, and critical wildlife habitat. Hayfork Lookout and associated communication infrastructure threatened. Highway 299 remains closed. There is a threat of the fire burning into the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Road, area and trail closures in effect. Unified Command: (North Zone) Alaska Type 1 Team (McDonald), & (South Zone) Cal Fire Team 5 (Parkes).

August 18, 2021 at 9:20 PM

CAL FIRE’s Incident Management Team 5 (IMT 5) transitioned into Unified Command with the U.S. Forest Service today at 07:00 A.M. The fire has been split into two zones. The Alaska Interagency Incident Management Team is in command of the North Zone of the Monument Fire. IMT 5 is in command of the South Zone of the Monument Fire. The South Zone’s northern border starts at Highway 299 and Coopers Bar just west of Junction City extending to the southern border ending at Hyampom Road and Little Creek.

Both teams are engaged in a coordinated and collaborative response to take suppressive action on the Monument Fire, which has continued to challenge crews because of erratic fire behavior, dry and hot air temperatures and drought stressed fuels. Due to resource draw down throughout the state, the priority for firefighter and law enforcement is the safety of the community and protection of infrastructure.

Evacuation Orders:

Big Bar, Del Loma Areas, Cedar Flat, Big Flat and Helena, Junction City, Red Hill, Canyon Creek, Coopers Bar and Burnt Ranch, Sky Ranch Road and Rifle Range Road, Barker Mountain and the areas northwest of Hayfork Summit and Sunshine Meadows, Harrison Road, Farmer Ranch Road and for residences from Ewing Road, up through all residences off Brady Road in Hayfork. All areas north of SR 3 from Hayfork Summit through the town of Hayfork. All areas north of the intersection of SR 3 and Hyampom Road down to 9 Mile Bridge.

Evacuation Warnings:

Per the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office and Trinity County Office of Emergency Services, an Evacuation Warning is being issued for the communities of Weaverville, Douglas City, and Hayfork.

All areas north of SR 3 from Hayfork Summit through the town of Hayfork. All areas north of the intersection of SR 3 and Hyampom Road down to 9 Mile Bridge. Victoria Lane, Devils Gulch, Carr Creek Road, Garden Gulch, all of Barker Creek Road, all of Barker Valley Road, Uchytil Lane, all of Big Creek Road, Reservior Road, Blue Jay Lane, Beals Street, all of Brady Road and all Side Roads, Mercill Drive, Highland Drive, Circle Drive, Vista And North Vista Lanes, Bean Gulch, Cedar Gulch, Fox Lane, Horse Trail Hill, New Country Road, Lucky Jeep Trail.

All areas south of SR 3, from Hayfork Summit, through the town of Hayfork, south on SR 3 to Salt Creek growers. All areas south of Hyampom Road from the intersection of SR 3 in Hayfork to 9 Mile Bridge. Summit Creek Road, Duncan Creek Road, English Lane, Wingert Road, Nelson Road, The Area Around Widlwood Road Just South Of Sr 3, Raven Lane, East Road Oak Street, West Oak Street, Morgan Hill, Riverview Road, Conrad Gulch, Genest Street, Locust Street, Sebring Street, Genest Street, Serenello Drive, Madrone Street, Center Street Humboldt Street, Manzanita Street, Kingsbury Gulch Road, Shasta Street, Michel Street, Marvel Street, Hayfork Fair Grounds, Al Of Hayfork Mill Camp, Tule Creek Road, Wizards Way, Eskaton Manner, Doctor Lane, Turkey Track.

Road Closures:

Hwy 299 is closed between Cedar Flat and 0.4 miles west of McCoy Lane Road due to fire activity and fire related rock slides and downed snags. It is an important transportation route between the Pacific coast and inland communities where closure limits access to medical care for residents downriver in the fire area.

Evacuation Centers:

Trinity Valley Elementary School (Humboldt County)
730 North Hwy 96
Willow Creek, CA 95573

Shasta College
1155 Old Oregon Trail Building 1900
Redding CA 96949

August 18, 2021 at 7:13 PM

Active fire behavior today with crowning and long-range spotting observed. A Red Flag Warning remains through Thursday. Structures threatened with additional Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect. Electrical transmission and distribution lines have been damaged. Threats to critical power, water and communication infrastructure, Trinity River Watershed and recreational sites, private timberland and grazing allotments, historical and cultural sites, and critical wildlife habitat. Hayfork Lookout and associated communication infrastructure threatened. Highway 299 remains closed. There is a threat of the fire burning into the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Road, area and trail closures in effect. Unified Command: (North Zone) Alaska Type 1 Team (McDonald), & (South Zone) Cal Fire Team 5 (Young).

August 18, 2021 at 11:50 AM

The Alaska Incident Management Team and CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 5 will hold a virtual public meeting tonight beginning at 6 p.m. The video can be viewed at the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and @CALFIRESHU Facebook pages, on Zoom at https://blm.zoomgov.com/j/1618675298, and on youtube.com/c/calfireimt5.

Current Situation: The Monument Fire continued to advance to the south, east and north, threatening the communities of Junction City and Hayfork. The fire is estimated at 128,613 acres following an infrared flight early Wednesday morning, a gain of more than 9,000 acres over Tuesday. Containment remains at 10% with 920 personnel working on the fire. Following a transition day with California Interagency Incident Management Team 5 on Monday, the Alaska Type 1 Incident Management Team took command of the North Zone between Burnt Ranch to Chimariko Road on Highway 299 on the north end and Burnt Ranch to the intersection of Hyampom Road and the 2N11 Road on the south end at 6:00 AM today. CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 5 took command of the South Zone at 7:00 AM today. CAL FIRE Incident Management Team 5 will manage the portion of the fire threatening state-responsibility lands. The two teams will work together, share information and resources and prioritize where those resources will focus their efforts, said Alaska IMT Incident Commander Norm McDonald. The two teams worked together on the August Complex last summer, he noted. “We’ll support them and they’ll support us; we’ll share resources from porta-potties to air tankers,” McDonald said. “We worked together last year and have good relationships. The number one objective for both teams will be firefighter and public safety. All our decisions will be based on that.” The fire on Tuesday continued to advance toward Douglas City, Hayfork and Weaverville, prompting the Trinity County Sheriff’s office to issue an evacuation warning for those communities. As of Tuesday night, the fire was within one-quarter mile of Hayfork and an evacuation order was issued for residences from Ewing Road, up through all residences off Brady Road while firefighters worked to protect structures in the Farmer’s Ranch Road, Sunshine Meadows and Harrison Road areas. Elsewhere on the fire Tuesday, crews continued defending structures in the communities of Junction City and Red Hill, mopping up around structures impacted by the fire Monday night. A Trinity County damage assessment team was in Junction City to gauge structure loss and damage following Monday’s incursion. Crews continue to strengthen and patrol control lines in the area of Burnt Ranch and Ironside Mountain on the west side of the fire. A tactical firing operation was conducted south of Burnt Ranch along the 60 Road in the Chaparal Mountain area to prevent the fire from threatening Burnt Ranch and moving to the west. Helicopter retardant drops were used to pretreat the area around structures prior to the burn operation. Fire managers are working to secure lines and mop up the burn before winds switch from the northwest to the northeast, which could challenge containment lines. Crews continue scouting for areas to put contingency lines in the area of Gray Ranch and Denny to keep the fire east of the Trinity River. Firefighters also responded to three spot fires discovered east of the North Fork Trinity River. Helicopter water drops were used to knock down two spot fires but one near 33A4 and Duncan Roads had grown to approximately 40 acres as of late Tuesday night. Given the extremely dry conditions, spot fires are a major concern and continue to challenge firefighters. Firefighters also on Tuesday responded to a 2-acre spot fire below Pattison Creek Ridge. Helicopter water drops suppressed the fire and crews were mopping it up.

Weather: There is a Red Flag Warning in effect today for gusty winds and dry conditions. Winds will switch from the northwest to the northeast today. Much drier air will move into the region with poor overnight relative humidity recovery along ridges, along with poor to moderate recoveries in the valleys. Temperatures will remain in the 85- to 95-degree range. Relative humidites will dip into the low teens.

Evacuation Orders: In effect for Sky Ranch Road, Junction City, Red Hill, Canyon Creek, Coopers Bar, Big Bar, Del Loma, Big Flat, Helena, Cedar Flat, Burnt Ranch, Sky Ranch Road in Junction City, Barker Mountain and the areas northwest of Hayfork Summit and Sunshine Meadows, Harrison Road, Farmer Ranch Road and for residences from Ewing Road, up through all residences off Brady Road in Hayfork.

Evacuation Warnings: In effect for Weaverville, Douglas City, areas south from Barker Mountain to Haystack proper and the north side of Hyampom Road from Hayfork proper to nine-mile bridge. For detailed evacuation information, visit the Trinity County Office Sheriff Facebook page at Trinity County Sheriff’s Office | Facebook

Evacuation Centers: American Red Cross Shelters have been set up at Shasta College, 1555 Old Oregon Trail, Building 1900, Redding CA and Trinity Valley Elementary School, 730 California 96, Willow Creek, CA 95573. The shelter at Trinity Valley Elementary School will move to Willow Creek Bible Church, 39 Barannan Mountain Road, Willow Creek, CA 95573.

Road Closures: State Highway 299 is closed from 1.7 miles east of Hawkins Bar at Ammom Road to Sky Ranch Road in Junction City. Monitor Caltrans’s District 2 website (https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-2). Animal Evacuation: (Domestic animals) Trinity County Animal Shelter, 563 Mountain View St, Weaverville, CA (530- 623-1370) or (Domestic + Large Animals) Hoopa Rodeo Grounds on Pine Creek Rd, Willow Creek, CA. Property Damage Assessment: Damage assessment teams have confirmed 32 structures have been destroyed. For questions or information regarding the status of your property, call Trinity County Office of Emergency Services (OES) at 530-623-1116. Forest Closures: Effective August 7, 2021 through October 31, 2021, the Shasta-Trinity Forest has issued Forest Order No. 14-21-21 Monument Fire Closure. Information on the forest order can be found on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website at Shasta-Trinity NF .

August 18, 2021 at 7:15 AM

12,394 people are under evacuation warnings or orders.

August 18, 2021 at 7:10 AM

Active fire behavior today with crowning and long-range spotting observed. A Red Flag Warning issued for through Wednesday evening. Structures threatened with additional Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect. Electrical transmission and distribution lines have been damaged. Threats to critical power, water and communication infrastructure, Trinity River Watershed and recreational sites, private timberland and grazing allotments, historical and cultural sites, and critical wildlife habitat. Ironsides lookout destroyed with associated repeater site. Hayfork Lookout and associated communication infrastructure threatened. Highway 299 remains closed. There is a threat of the fire burning into the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Road, area and trail closures in effect.

August 17, 2021 at 11:36 AM

New Evacuation Warning: Per Trinity County Sheriff and Trinity County OES, an Evacuation Warning has been issued for the communities of Weaverville, Douglas City and Hayfork.

August 16, 2021 at 8:44 PM

Active fire behavior today with crowning and long-range spotting observed. A Red Flag Warning issued for Tuesday afternoon thru Wednesday evening. Structures threatened with additional Evacuation Orders and Warning issued. Electrical transmission and distribution lines have been damaged. Threats to critical power, water and communication infrastructure, Trinity River Watershed and recreational sites, private timberland and grazing allotments, historical and cultural sites, and critical wildlife habitat. Ironsides lookout destroyed with associated repeater site. Hayfork Lookout and associated communication infrastructure threatened. There is a threat of the fire burning into the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Road, area and trail closures in effect.

Despite heavy smoke shading, a warm and dry air mass at the surface is supporting steady fire spread in all fuel types. Fire growth was primarily a function of rapid uphill runs and roll-out due to steep, complex terrain. Better ventilation provided new growth opportunities along the Hayfork divide near Hayfork Bally. Eastward expansion continued with transport winds from the south and west during the first portion of the day; transitioning to the northwest during the afternoon.

August 16, 2021 at 12:51 PM

The Monument Fire is currently 97,287 acres and 10% contained. Last night, the Monument fire was extremely active on all flanks, predominately to the southeast. The fire exhibited long, uphill runs and group torching as it advanced towards Sky Ranch Road in Junction City, prompting the evacuation order issued by Trinity County Sheriff. As the fire intensified, firefighters and heavy equipment resources were reallocated to the area. Crews made an aggressive attack to keep the fire within the containment lines, preventing further spread. Crews concentrated their efforts on point protection, defending structures and the values at risk in and around the surrounding area of Junction City.

Yesterday, the fire also made an uphill run towards the Ironside Lookout on the northwest portion east of the Trinity River. Embers ignited receptive fuels destroying the Lookout and communication infrastructure for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and a repeater site for the incident. Crews are in the area monitoring how far the fire backs down toward the New River, assessing structures in the area.

During the night operational period, the fire activity moderated which allowed crews to continue firing operations on the along the west side from the power lines to Chaparral Mountain. Crews held the line and defended structures in the area. Work is being done to reinforce and improve upon existing containment lines west to the community of Burnt Ranch.

Today, the fire is burning to the north into the wilderness and fire crews have successfully held the fire to the west side of the North Fork of the Trinity River. Firefighters continue to monitor fire activity around the community of Helena east along SR-299.

Firefighters should experience less smoke shading today, providing better visibility on the west side of the fire. Air operations are mobilized and ready to support ground suppression efforts as soon as visibility permits.

Alignment of slope, wind and steep terrain will create high rates of spread presenting extreme fire behavior. Firefighters remain steadfast in their effort to minimize the threat to life, property, and critical infrastructure within the impacted communities.

The Incident Management Team is continually assessing and developing strategies for construction and location of additional contingency lines.

Weather: Gusty northwest winds developed during the afternoon with gusts around 20-25 mph in the late evening along the ridge lines and up the Trinity River Canyon. Winds backed off overnight, but remained gusty along the ridges at 20 mph. Expecting strong northwest today with hot temperatures and lower RH lasting through the night.

August 16, 2021 at 7:15 AM

Late yesterday afternoon, fire behavior became highly active as winds from the northwest drove firebrands and embers to the east. Firefighters experienced significant spotting, prompting an evacuation order for Sky Ranch Road in Junction City. Firefighters and heavy equipment resources were reallocated to the area, where they engaged in an aggressive attack to keep the fire within the containment lines, preventing further spread.

The fire made an uphill run towards the Ironside Lookout on the northwest portion east of the Trinity River. Embers ignited receptive fuels destroying the Lookout and communication infrastructure for the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and a repeater site for the incident. Crews are in the area working to prevent any further spread to the north.

Firefighters have been successfully holding fire west of the North Fork of the Trinity River. Crews will continue to monitor, improve and construct containment lines around Helena and Canyon Creek. On the southern flank, crews monitored as the fire backed down toward containment lines.

Work is being done to reinforce and improve upon exiting containment lines from the powerlines west to the community of Burnt Ranch.

August 15, 2021 at 6:30 PM

Per the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office and the Trinity County Office of Emergency Services, the area of Sky Ranch Road in Junction City, Ca is now under an evacuation order.

Area residents and visitors in the above listed area should leave immediately, due to increased fire activity.

While leaving the area use caution, as emergency vehicles assisting with evacuations, structure protection, and fire suppression efforts will be on the roadways.

August 15, 2021 at 11:34 AM

Overnight fire behavior was active around the perimeter of the fire with active backing and uphill runs.  Fire continued to expand in all directions but did not make any large single long distance runs. 

August 14, 2021 at 9:35 AM

Today, the fire continued spreading in all directions through historically dry fuels bringing the total acres burned to 74,759 and 5% contained.  Firefighters were able to use strategic firing operations to hold the fire along containment lines at Chaparral Mountain establishing a strong anchor from SR-299 around the southern edge of Burnt Ranch. With the current shortage of resources, the emphasis remains on structure protection and extinguishing any hot spots in and around residences along the SR-299 corridor and threatened communities.  Fire continues to slowly back downhill toward Burnt Ranch and firefighters are working to slow any further spread. Federal crews and State resources are establishing parallel contingency lines on the eastside of Maple Creek, tying into Soldier Creek.  These dozer lines will aid in the defense of Junction City.  Tonight, if weather conditions allow, firefighters will implement firing operations along the southern edge of the fire taking advantage of reduced overnight burning intensities.Much needed dozer work continues as crews work to re-establish existing dozer lines and remove fuels along the Hayfork Divide, Knolls Gulch and Hayfork Bally, that will be used as control features.    Crews will continue to provide structure preparation, defense and point protection in and around the communities within the perimeter of the fire. 

August 13, 2021 at 11:57 AM

Spreading approximately 2,900 acres, the Monument Fire continues to slowly grow in all directions and is currently 74,759 acres and 5% contained. Night operations had a very successful night. Environmental conditions were conducive to conduct strategic firing operations, burning the unburned fuel ahead of the fire and holding it at containment lines on the south and southeast edges of the fire. Crews continued to experience short-range spotting in the Soldier Creek area and were able to get line around them. To the east, firefighters continued to provide for structure protection in the surrounding communities impacted or threatened by fire and focused on interior pockets of heat.

On the East Fork Road near Helena, crews continued to engage the fire and conduct mop-up operations. Overall, night crews continued to reinforce hand lines and protect structures in and around Junction City and Burnt Ranch. Today, firefighters will continue to hold the containment lines where firing operations occurred. Fire crews will carry out operational objectives by patrolling and protecting residences along the SR-299 corridor as well as the communities of Junction City and Burnt Ranch.

Federal, state and local resources work together to develop and establish safe and effective strategies for appropriate placement of additional contingency lines. Hot, dry and smoky conditions will bring moderate to high intensity burning late this afternoon. Consistent wind patterns continue to steer and drive the fire into an up-slope, up-canyon alignment, toward the top of Hayfork Divide. Crews are monitoring this activity and will engage and suppress any slop-overs. Firefighters are persistent in their efforts to minimize the threat of fire to private property, communities, critical infrastructure and values of risk.

Weather: Increased moisture brought good RH recoveries overnight. Northwest winds continued as gusty up-canyon winds becoming light down-slope overnight. Today, we expect light southeast winds in the morning along the ridges, switching to northwest up-slope, up-canyon and gusting to 20-25 mph in the afternoon. A local Red Flag Warning continues today over the fire area for isolated thunderstorms with gusty outflow winds.

Evacuations: Evacuation Orders: Junction City, Red Hill, Canyon Creek, Coopers Bar, Big Bar, Del Loma, Big Flat, Helena, Cedar Flat, and Burnt Ranch For detailed evacuation information, visit Trinity County Office Sheriff Facebook: Trinity County Sheriff’s Office | Facebook

Evacuation Centers:  American Red Cross Shelters

Shasta College, 1555 Old Oregon Trail, Building 1900, Redding CA 
Trinity Valley Elementary School, 730 California 96, Willow Creek, CA 95573

Road Closures:  State Highway 299 is closed from 1.7 miles east of Hawkins Bar at Ammom Road to Sky Ranch Road in Junction City.  Monitor Caltrans’s District 2 website (https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-2)

Animal Evacuation:  (Domestic animals)  Trinity County Animal Shelter, 563 Mountain View St, Weaverville, CA, 530-623-1370 or (Domestic + Large Animals)  Hoopa Rodeo Grounds on Pine Creek Rd, Willow Creek, CA

Property Damage Assessment: Damage assessment teams have confirmed 31 structures have been destroyed 1 with damage. For questions or information regarding the status of your property, call Trinity County Office of Emergency Services (OES) at 530-623-1116. 

August 12, 2021 at 8:26 AM

Volatility of the fuels is in part due to hot, dry weather and low humidity levels. This weather pattern along with topographical features provided for active short-range spotting throughout the day. On the south flank the fire spotted underneath the powerlines and grew to five acres before crews were able to suppress it. In the Chaparral Mountain area, the fire has backed down to the road systems in the area and fire crews monitored and mopped up the areas. On the west side of the fire near Friedrich Road between the 60 Road and Bidden Creek firefighters were busy today picking up a few spot fires that made a run up to a dozer line on the ridgetop. Heavy smoke and steep terrain hindered crews ability to go direct on the spots at first, but they were able to suppress them this afternoon and crews will monitor the area throughout the night.

Along the SR-299 corridor, rockslides, trees, and debris continue to fall onto the highway. Additional heavy equipment work is needed to reduce the amount of debris that is impeding emergency crews to safely work in and around the area. Firefighters saw successes in holding the fire to the west side of the North Fork of the Trinity River.

With limited resources, priorities have focused on structure defense on the east flank in the communities around Junction City. Crews have been performing arduous work to construct and hold containment lines where active fire is present.

Tonight, firefighters are focused on providing point protection and defending structures in and around the Junction City and Burnt Ranch communities. Crews will continue to patrol, monitor and scout the terrain for opportunities to construct direct and indirect containment lines, while protecting the values at risk within and adjacent to the fire’s perimeter.

Weather: Today, we experienced southeast up-canyon winds gusting to 18-20mph. Winds are expected to change to northwest down-slope, down-canyon late in the evening as humidity moderates. Tomorrow, over the fire area, a local Red Flag Warning has been issued for isolated dry lighting and gusty winds.

August 11, 2021 at 10:53 AM

Overnight resources saw active fire on all flanks of the fire as it continued backing down hill towards established control lines. Short-range spotting was more pronounced due to wind gusts on the western and southern edges of the fire. Firefighters kept the 50 acre spot fire near Burnt Ranch to the west of Friedrich Road. Favorable weather conditions were observed for a second night, allowing for firing operations where firefighters brought fire from the power lines and south to tie in a large slopover back into the road system.

Firefighters continued working the perimeter of the large spot fire south of Hocker Meadow near Junction City. CAL FIRE resources remain in the area assisting with contingency line constructions. Crews continued to engage the fire as it impacted the East Fork Road in Helena and successfully held the fire at the road. This morning, the Monument Fire showed a steady progression of size to 62,490 acres and remains at 3% containment. The fuels are poised and ready to burn when wind and topographical features align. When that happens we anticipate fast moving uphill runs and long-range spotting. As more resources arrive, fire managers will prioritize them to be ready to battle the fire with a quick, aggressive attack if fire spots across containment lines.

Today, crews will focus their efforts on Junction City, Burnt Ranch and surrounding communities by preparing structures, deploying hose lines and monitoring up in and around the fire to preserve structures and those values of risk. Our aerial support crews are available to fly if smoke conditions improve, they are prepared to fly at a moment’s notice to assist ground crews with suppression efforts as soon as it is deemed safe to fly. We are working diligently to return residents back into their communities when safe to do so, and we appreciate your support and patience while we work to suppress the Monument Fire.

Weather: Last night, warm, dry air remained over the region, with up-slope wind gusts of 20 mph and poor overnight recoveries with light transport winds allowing heavy smoke to fill into the region. Today, temperatures will stay in the 100s, with wind shifts from southeast to northwest up-canyon winds in the afternoon. There is a heat advisory warning starting tomorrow and a slight chance of thunderstorms tomorrow.

Evacuations: Evacuation Orders: Junction City, Red Hill, Canyon Creek, Coopers Bar, Big Bar, Del Loma, Big Flat, Helena, Cedar Flat, and Burnt Ranch For detailed evacuation information, visit Trinity County Office Sheriff Facebook: Trinity County Sheriff’s Office | Facebook

Evacuation Centers: American Red Cross Shelters Shasta College, 1555 Old Oregon Trail, Building 1900, Redding CA Trinity Valley Elementary School, 730 California 96, Willow Creek, CA 95573

August 10, 2021 at 10:44 AM

Overnight the fire remained active on all fronts, with active backing, short runs, and short-range spotting.  Spotting was more pronounced on the west side of the fire.  Yesterday the southeast winds advanced the Monument Fire towards the west.  The fire’s edge came out of Mule Creek pushing spot fires around Frederick’s Ridge, and crews successfully provided point protection and structure defense around properties.  Crews worked tirelessly to suppress the fires on the east side of Frederick’s Ridge, keeping spot fires from advancing down into Bidden Creek.

 The fire is approximately 57,936 acres and 3% contained.  On the south side of the fire, heavy equipment operators worked with fire crews throughout the day to improve fire breaks along old dozer lines and roadways by removing vegetation to reduce the impact of potential future spot fires. Firefighters focused on holding efforts to keep the fire on the west side of North Fork Trinity River Canyon. Smoke on the east side lifted this afternoon, allowing air operations to resume. The spot fire near Junction City grew to 200 acres, air and ground crews successfully held the fire from further advancing into surrounding communities.  Night operations will fire out when safe and advantageous to do so, on the southern end of the fire along the powerline corridor.

Large fires across the western state have created challenges for fire management teams requesting resources as each fire competes for similar resource support.  Due to these limitations in resources, operational suppression tactics must be prioritized to protect lives, property, and communities that remain threatened by wildfire.
 
Weather: Today, temperatures topped out at 100 degrees and this afternoon saw a wind shift towards the west. Tomorrow is again forecasted for hot, dry conditions and low humidity.  Overnight winds will continue to travel upslope through the Trinity River Canyon with gusts up to 20 mph.
 
  Evacuations: Evacuation Orders remain in: Junction City, Red Hill, Canyon Creek, Coopers Bar, Big Bar, Del Loma, Big Flat, Helena, Cedar Flat, and Burnt Ranch. For detailed evacuation information, visit Trinity County Office Sheriff Facebook: Trinity County Sheriff’s Office | Facebook

Evacuation Centers: American Red Cross Shelters; New Center in Willow Creek: Willow Creek Bible Church, 39 Brannan Mountain Road, Willow Creek CA Shasta College, 1555 Old Oregon Trail, Building 1900, Redding CA Mad River Grange, 110 Hatchery Rd, Blue Lake CA Road Closures: State Highway 299 is closed at Berg Road on the west and Sky Ranch Road on the east. Division of Traffic Operations – Road Information – California Highway Information. Monitor Caltrans’s District 2 website (https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-2) 
Large Animal Evacuation: Trinity County Animal Shelter 530-623-1370 

 Property Damage Assessment: Damage assessment teams have confirmed 26 structures have been destroyed. For questions or information regarding the status of your property, call Trinity County Office of Emergency Services (OES) at 530-623-1116. 

August 9, 2021 at 8:29 PM

The Monument Fire moderately increased in size, the fire is 53,019 acres with 3% containment. Last night, conditions were favorable and we didn’t see a lot of active fire movement. Crews monitored hot spots within the interior of the burn as well as around the communities. Today, firefighters will continue to improve contingency lines around the impacted areas, solidifying the defensible space around homes and communities and monitor the north end of the fire by aircraft. The objective is keeping the fire on the west side of the North Fork of the Trinity River and reduce fire spread near Junction City and surrounding communities. With temperatures reaching the triple digits, coupled with drought-stressed fuels, firefighters expect increased fire activity. They will continue working to minimize further impacts to property or natural resources within and adjacent to the fire perimeter.

The Monument fire was active on all front overnight, although fire growth was less than the previous overnight period.  Primary growth was to the east with active backing and short range spotting.  On the southern flank, firefighters continue to improve dozer lines along the powerline corridor in preparation for firing operations. Crews worked to continue to reinforce line when possible. Night resources were able to complete a firing operation from Drop Point 30 to the intersection of 3N68 and 3N29. Additional dozer line was pushed around the large spot south of Hawker Road.  Crews continued to improve dozer and hand lines near the communities along SR 299. Point protection tactics were used as fire backed down towards structures in communities on the east, and southeast sides of the fire. Currently, the fire is 53,019 acres and 3% containment. 

Weather: Moderate recoveries are expected tonight, with humidity in the ’50s to low 60s; this will give firefighters a window for firing operations. Triple-digit temperatures are expected next week, with daytime humidities in the low teens and single digits.

Evacuations: Evacuation Orders for Junction City, Red Hill, Canyon Creek, Coopers Bar, Big Bar, Del Loma, Big Flat, Helena and Cedar Flat.

Evacuation Warning for Burnt Ranch.

For detailed evacuation information, visit Trinity County Office Sheriff Facebook: Trinity County Sheriff’s Office | Facebook

Evacuation Centers: American Red Cross Shelters

New Location Shasta College, 1555 Old Oregon Trail, Building 1900, Redding CA

Mad River Grange, 110 Hatchery Rd, Blue Lake CA

Property Damage Assessment: Damage assessment teams have confirmed 26 structures have been destroyed. For questions or information regarding the status of your property, call Trinity County Office of Emergency Services (OES) at 530-623-1116.  

August 8, 2021 at 10:11 AM

Active fire behavior overnight with long-range spotting. Structures are threatened and Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect. Threats to critical power, water and communication infrastructure, Trinity River Watershed and recreational sites, historical and cultural sites, Ironsides Lookout, and critical wildlife habitat. Hwy 299 is closed. The fire is burning in 2008 Cedar Fire footprint resulting in snag hazards to fire resources. There is a threat of the fire burning into the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Road, area and trail closures in effect. Type 1, Team 5 (Young) in command.

August 7, 2021 at 9:05 AM

Active fire behavior overnight with backing and short-range spotting. Structures are threatened and Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect. Threats to critical power, water and communication infrastructure, Trinity River Watershed and recreational sites, historical and cultural sites, and critical wildlife habitat. Hwy 299 is closed. The fire is burning in 2008 Cedar Fire footprint resulting in snag hazards to fire resources. There is a threat of the fire burning into the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Road, area and trail closures in effect. Type 1, Team 5 (Young) in command.

Large spots on the north side of Trinity River continued to grow together, providing a more well defined northern perimeter.

August 6, 2021 at 8:54 PM

Smoke shaded skies and poor overnight relative humidity recovery leading into the burn period supported steady fire spread in all fuel types. Fire growth was accentuated by steep, complex terrain.

Large spots on the north side of Trinity River continued to grow together, providing a more well defined northern perimeter.

The fire is threatening the communities of Big Bar, Del Loma, Big Flat, and Burnt Ranch. It continues to be driven primarily by extremely dry fuel conditions and topography. Smoke continues to be a major issue. Although, one good thing that comes from the heavy smoke and inversions is if we can’t breathe, the fire can’t breathe. Like us, fire needs oxygen to breathe and as long as we’re having a hard time breathing so is the fire. The moment we can breathe better, so can the fire. And, that is when we’re experiencing significant fire behavior and growth with the Monument Fire.

As for firefighting efforts, crews will continue to focus their efforts on providing structure protection around the communities affected, as the fire is expected to actively burned through the night.

The fire is established near Price Creek above Big Bar and has backed down near the structures there. The powerlines in the area have been shutdown due to the fire. Resources continue to be limited with the number of active fires in the western United States and the focus of firefighting efforts will remain on protecting life and property first.

August 5, 2021 at 9:06 PM

The Monument Fire, burning west of Big Bar along both sides of Highway 299 and east of Cedar Flat, is currently 24,719 acres, 0% contained. The fire is threatening the communities of Big Bar, Del Loma, Big Flat, and Burnt Ranch. Last night, fire crews provided structure protection around these communities, as the active fire burned throughout the night to the north.

Today, fire crews are concentrating on creating contingency lines to the north, while continuing to provide structure defense around communities. The spot fires north of Hwy 299 have grown in size, and crews are identifying areas to build containment lines.  Crews on the south constructed dozer control lines along the powerline right-of-way, keeping the fire from advancing south. A spot fire on the southeast continues to grow but is well within control lines. The fire is burning in the 2008 Cedar Fire, the 2012 Flat Fire, and the 2015 River Complex burn scars. 

The fire is burning in timber, grass, and brush that is extremely dry due to drought conditions across the area. These conditions pose a challenge to firefighters as they aggressively work to suppress new fire growth. Resources are limited due to the increasing number of fires within the area.

Evacuations:

Evacuation order for Del Loma, Big Bar, and Cedar Flat. 

Evacuation warning for Burnt Ranch and Big Flat. Check Trinity County Office Sheriff Facebook: Trinity County Sheriff’s Office | Facebook

Evacuation Centers: First Baptist Church in Weaverville and Willow Creek VFW Hall, 20 Kitmu Road in Willow Creek.

Road and Forest Closures:  State Highway 299 is closed from 3 miles east of Burnt Ranch to 3 miles east of Big Bar (Trinity County) Division of Traffic Operations – Road Information – California Highway Information. Monitor Caltrans’s District 2 website (https://dot.ca.gov/caltrans-near-me/district-2) or Twitter feed for current highway-closure information.

Weather: Expected northwest upslope wind during the day with nighttime downslope winds. 

August 4, 2021 at 7:31 AM

Fire behavior remained active overnight. Evacuation Orders and Warnings in effect. Threats to structures, critical power, water and communication infrastructure, Trinity River watershed and recreation, to historical and cultural sites and critical wildlife habitat. Hwy 299 is closed. The fire is burning in 2008 Cedar Fire footprint. Type 1, CA Team 5 (Young) assumed command this morning at 0600.

August 3, 2021 at 8:14 AM

Active fire behavior with long-range spotting across Hwy. 299 and the Trinity River overnight. Evacuation Orders issued for the communities of Del Loma and Big Bar with State Highway 299 currently closed. Threat to structures, critical power infrastructure, Monument Peak Communication Site, historical and cultural sites, Trinity River Watershed and Recreation values. Fire is burning in the 2008 Cedar Fire footprint and steep rugged terrain. Type 1, Team 5 (Young) on order, scheduled to inbrief this morning.

August 2, 2021 at 7:36 PM

Active fire behavior with long range spotting observed. Threat to structures, critical power infrastructure, Monument Peak Communication Site, historical and cultural sites, Trinity River Watershed and Recreation values.

An Evacuation Warning has been issued for community of Del Loma and Big Bar. Fire is burning in the 2008 Cedar Fire footprint and steep rugged terrain. Type 1, Team 5 (Young) on order, scheduled to inbrief 8/3.

August 2, 2021 at 7:58 AM

Minimal fire behavior reported overnight. Threat to structures, Monument Peak Communication Site, historical and cultural sites, Trinity River Watershed and Recreation values. An Evacuation Warning has been issued for community of Del Loma and Big Bar. Fire is burning in the 2008 Cedar Fire footprint and steep rugged terrain. NIMO Team (Houseman) on order, scheduled to inbrief 8/2.