Salmon August Complex

Salmon August Complex, (2 fires). Klamath NF.  Nine miles west of Etna, CA. Timber. Minimal fire behavior.

October 5, 2017 at 9:21 AM

The Wallow Fire continues to smolder with minimal fire behavior and growth in the Snowslide Gulch area. Firefighters are still cleaning up foil wrapped telephone poles, flagging, and completing suppression repair. Crews will continue to monitor and patrol the fire area.

Wallow Fire: 65,336 acres; 83% containment. Fire fighters will continue to monitor and repair the fire perimeter and mop up any areas of concern.

Deep Fire: Approximately 101 acres; 95% containment. Fire fighters will continue to monitor the fire perimeter and mop up any areas of concern.

Fourth Fire:One quarter (.25) acre; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Claire Fire:One Tenth (.10) acre; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Mary Fire: 91 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Rush Fire: 3 acres;100% containment. The fire is unstafffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Grizzly Fire: 90 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Garden Fire: 266 acres; 100% containment.The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Bingham Fire: 0.13 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Blaine Fire:1 Acre; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

September 30, 2017 at 10:11 AM

The Wallow fire grew 7 acres in the last two days, all of the growth was in the Snow Slide Gulch area, on the northwest side of the fire away from communities and infrastructure. Smokes continue to be observed inside the perimeter of the Wallow Fire. These areas, that are interior of the fire perimeter, are being monitored closely by fire personnel. Heavy equipment and firefighters continue to repair dozer lines south of Whiskey Butte. A 10 person fire crew will be spiked out at Shelly Meadows to patrol the fire line in the wilderness to further containment efforts of the fire line that is otherwise inaccessible.

A cold front has moved in to the north of the fire bringing gusty winds, cooler temperatures, higher relative humidity, and possibly some rainfall over the weekend. The winds may make the fire give off more smoke than it has in recent days, fire personnel are fully aware of the winds and will be monitoring and patrolling for any threats to the containment line.

While there may be no fire restrictions, the forest is still dry and recreationists should be careful with campfires. Forest users should use caution while travelling near the fire because of hazardous conditions such as fire weakened trees, rolling rocks or logs, and burning material. Smoke and open flames may be present in some areas of the fire. There are no closures in place around the Salmon August Complex, visitors in and around the fire perimeter may come in contact with fire crews and heavy equipment as suppression repairs continue. Please drive with caution.

Wallow Fire: 65,330 acres; 83% containment. Fire fighters will continue to monitor and repair the fire perimeter and mop up any areas of concern.

Deep Fire: Approximately 217 acres; 95% containment. Fire fighters will continue to monitor the fire perimeter and mop up any areas of concern.

Fourth Fire: One quarter (.25) acre; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Claire Fire: One Tenth (.10) acre; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Mary Fire: 91 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Rush Fire: 3 acres;100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Grizzly Fire: 90 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Garden Fire: 266 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Bingham Fire: 0.13 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Blaine Fire: 1 Acre; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Residents within Siskiyou County will continue to experience smoke impacts from this complex and surrounding fires. A daily Air Quality Report is posted on the fire’s Inciweb page. For updated smoke forecasts, please visit this link: http://bit.ly/2uSYloh

September 24, 2017 at 10:18 AM

The Wallow Fire is now 70% contained and firefighters are patrolling and monitoring all containment lines around the fire. All fire suppression related damage on the Pacific Crest Trail, Little North Fork, and Right Hand Trails has been repaired. Repair work is ongoing throughout the Salmon August Complex on remaining trails including the areas near Yellow Jacket Ridge to Knudson Bar, Cherry Creek and the area near Mule Bridge. Hand crews will continue to work throughout the interior, felling hazard trees and repairing the tread on the trails that were used to suppress the fire.

Crews found smoke and pockets of heat off the Mule Bridge near the area of The Cedars. They worked on the area through the afternoon and reduced the threat to the containment line.

On the Deep Fire, firefighters increased the amount of control line around the fire. Firefighters working in that area today will spike camp tonight at the Indian Scotty undeveloped group campground off of Forest Road 44N45.

Temperatures will continue to rise, following the warming trend that is predicted for the next several days. There will be light winds throughout the fire today and there is no precipitation in the immediate forecast.

The emergency closure order for the Salmon-August Complex and forestwide fire restrictions have been lifted. Forest visitors entering the area need to be vigilant about risks created by the wildfire. A California Campfire Permit is required in order to have a campfire. Visitors in and around the fire perimeters can expect to encounter heavy equipment and fire apparatus as repair efforts continue. Please use caution when traveling through the area.

Wallow Fire: 65,875 acres; 70% containment. Fire fighters will continue to monitor and repair the fire perimeter and mop up any areas of concern.

Deep Fire: Approximately 217 acres; 90% containment. Fire fighters will continue to monitor the fire perimeter and mop up any areas of concern.

Fourth Fire: One quarter (.25) acre; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Claire Fire: One Tenth (.10) acre; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Mary Fire: 91 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Rush Fire: 3 acres;100% containment. The fire is unstafffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Grizzly Fire: 90 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Garden Fire: 266 acres; 100% containment.The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Bingham Fire: 0.13 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Blaine Fire: 1 Acre; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

September 23, 2017 at 9:48 AM

No fire growth with little interior burnouts. Water handling equipment completely removed. Firefighter crews spending a couple nights at Spike camps. Rehab work is advancing on all areas of the fire. The increased relative humidity, decreased temperatures and precipitation has assisted in mop up efforts for both the Wallow and Deep fire.

The Salmon August Complex was caused by lightning. The first ignition was in July and was managed by the Klamath National Forest as the Island Fire. Five other fires in the complex (Wallow, Garden, Grizzly, Mary, Rush, and Pointers fires) were ignited by lightning in early August. Early on, these fires were being managed with a confine-contain strategy. Initially, this strategy was effective. As the weather trend became hotter and dryer throughout mid-August, the Island and Wallow fires spread.

The Klamath NF determined the need for a type 2 Incident Management Team. The Wallow Fire eventually engulfed the Pointers and Island fires and began threatening Eco-Trust timber lands on State Responsibility Area. At that time, an Incident Management Team and CALFIRE were ordered to work in unified command. All seven fires were incorporated into a complex (Salmon August Complex) on August 13, 2017.

The Wallow fire is located in steep, rugged terrain of the Marble Mountain Wilderness, near the Pacific Crest Trail. The Garden, Mary, Grizzly, Blaine, and Rush fires are located in the Salmon Mountains, south of the Salmon River, near the boundary of the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and the Klamath National Forest. The Bingham Fire is located near Russian, Grizzly and Wildcat Peaks.

On September 7, 2017, three additional lighting ignitions (the Deep, Claire and Fourth fires) were supported by and incorporated into Salmon August Complex incident management. Now, Great Basin Team 7 has assumed command of the incident. The Deep fire is burning near Lover’s Camp trailhead northwest of the community of Greenview, CA.

September 18, 2017 at 10:52 AM

Smoke could be seen from the Wallow Fire yesterday afternoon due to the winds fanning flames on the interior portion of the fire. Two of the main areas putting up plumes of smoke were the hot spot on the interior of the burned area on the north side of the fire near Boulder Creek and one on the southeast side near The Cedars, between Little Twin Creek and Big Twin Creek. Crews are confident these areas of burning pose no threat to the line and they will revisit them today to assure the condition hasn’t changed.  After another day of successful firefighting operations with one 20-person handcrew and 3 engines, firefighters kept the fire east of Cabin Creek on the north portion of the burn. Today, crews will continue their work monitoring and patrolling the north side of the fire from Cedar Creek to Babs Creek and will put water on any areas of heat that they discover. Crews plan to complete the chipping operations on the southern side of the fire by mid-afternoon today.

Firefighters expect to contain the Deep Fire in 2-3 operational periods. The furthest southern portion of that fire appears to have burned into the rocks. Crews will spend today putting in direct fire line from Deep Creek to the rock bluff all the way to the north.

All of the other fires in the complex (see page 2) were monitored by aircraft yesterday afternoon and remain 100-percent contained.

Currently, there are no evacuations in effect for communities near the Salmon August Complex.

A forest closure order is in effect for the portions of Marble Mountain Wilderness until the fire is declared out. The Pacific Crest Trail No. 2000 (Pacific Crest Trail) is included in the new closure from the intersection with Forest Trail No. 5545 (Kidder Creek Trail) to its intersection with Forest Trail No. 5542 (Shackleford Trail). Details of closure points can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5501/#

Wallow Fire: 65,888 acres; 35% containment. Fire fighters will continue to construct and improve lines on the north and east areas of the fire.

Deep Fire: Approximately 199 acres; 11% containment. Fire fighters will continue to construct and improve containment line.

Fourth Fire: One quarter (.25) acre; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Claire Fire: One Tenth (.10) acre; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Mary Fire: 91 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Rush Fire: 3 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstafffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Grizzly Fire: 90 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Garden Fire: 266 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Bingham Fire: 0.13 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Blaine Fire: 1 – 3 Acres; unknown containment.  Aircraft provided retardant and water drops yesterday.  Smokejumpers will staff the fire today.

Residents within Siskiyou County will continue to experience smoke impacts from this complex and surrounding fires.  A daily Air Quality Report is posted on the fire’s Inciweb page. For updated smoke forecasts, please visit this link: http://bit.ly/2uSYloh

September 17, 2017 at 9:14 AM

The cool and cloudy start to the day gave way to sun and temperatures in the 70’s. The winds were gusty out of the southwest across the fire, but crews were able to hold the containment lines and prevent any significant fire spread. On the Wallow fire, the firefighters were successful in keeping the fire out of the Cabin Creek drainage on the northern portion of the fire. There will be an engine working on the northeastern side of the fire again today to continue keeping the fire east of Cabin Creek. Crews worked up into The Cedars on the southern end of the fire because they found some hot spots when they flew over the area. Today crews will continue to work on those areas of heat and make sure there is no threat of additional fire spread.

On the Deep Fire, crews worked to keep the burn east of Deep Creek and west of Second Valley Creek. Today firefighters will continue suppression efforts on the eastern side and will work into the interior putting out hotspots within fifteen feet of the edge of the burn.

All of the other fires in the complex were monitored by the air and remain 100-percent contained.

Currently, there are no evacuations in effect for communities near the Salmon August Complex.

A forest closure order is in effect for the portions of Marble Mountain Wilderness until the fire is declared out. The Pacific Crest Trail No. 2000 (Pacific Crest Trail) is included in the new closure from the intersection with Forest Trail No. 5545 (Kidder Creek Trail) to its intersection with Forest Trail No. 5542 (Shackleford Trail). Details of closure points can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5501/#

Wallow Fire: 65,888 acres; 34% containment. Fire fighters will continue to construct and improve lines on the north and east areas of the fire.

Deep Fire: Approximately 217 acres; 11% containment. Fire fighters will continue to construct and improve containment line.

Fourth Fire: One quarter (.25) acre; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Claire Fire: One Tenth (.10) acre; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Mary Fire: 91 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Rush Fire: 3 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstafffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Grizzly Fire: 90 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Garden Fire: 266 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Bingham Fire: 0.13 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Blaine Fire: 1 Acre; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

September 14, 2017 at 9:58 AM

Crews are taking advantage of weather and fire behavior to construct line and improve containment lines on the north, east, and south perimeter as well as continued efforts of suppression repair of the area.  The Wallow fire has several unburned areas.  Should the unburned areas burn, smoke is expected to be seen from the surrounding communities.  Crews are improving shaded fuel breaks which helps in defending from current and future wildfire spread.

The complex provided resources for two new fire starts; Blaine and Bingham fires.  The Blaine is approximately 1 – 3 acres with unknown containment and the Bingham fire is 0.13 acres, 100% contained and will be monitored.  The Deep Fire is established in steep and rugged terrain, crews continue to make progress in building handline toward natural barriers, such as rocky ridges.

Command of the complex remains with the IMT SOCAL TEAM 2 and we will transition to the Great Basin Incident Management Team 7 on Sept. 15^th at 7:00 a.m.

A dry cold front will move through today bringing much cooler weather to the area and will continue for several days.  Gusty winds will also accompany the frontal passage with gusts up to 25 mph.  Temperatures will range from near 60 to upper 70’s.

Currently, there are no evacuations in effect for communities near the Salmon August Complex.

A forest closure order is in effect for the portions of Marble Mountain Wilderness until the fire is declared out. The Pacific Crest Trail No. 2000 (Pacific Crest Trail) is included in the new closure from the intersection with Forest Trail No. 5545 (Kidder Creek Trail) to its intersection with Forest Trail No. 5542 (Shackleford Trail). Details of closure points can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5501/#

Wallow Fire: 64,449 acres; 32% containment. Fire fighters will continue to construct and improve lines on the north and east areas of the fire.

Deep Fire: Approximately 199 acres; 11% containment. Fire fighters will continue to construct and improve containment line.

Fourth Fire: One quarter (.25) acre; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Claire Fire: One Tenth (.10) acre; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Mary Fire: 91 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Rush Fire: 3 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstafffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Grizzly Fire: 90 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Garden Fire: 266 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Bingham Fire: 0.13 acres; 100% containment. The fire is unstaffed, but will continue to be monitored.

Blaine Fire: 1 – 3 Acres; unknown containment.  Aircraft provided retardant and water drops yesterday.  Smokejumpers will staff the fire today.

September 12, 2017 at 10:00 AM

Fire crews have been making good progress and the recent weather change and additional crews being assigned should bolster containment efforts. Crews are constructing and improving containment line on the north, east and south perimeter. Several areas within the Wallow Fire perimeter are still unburned and may eventually become active. If these areas burn, smoke is expected to be seen from the surrounding communities. Crews continue to prepare defensible fuel breaks and patrol along the Sawyers Bar and Salmon River Road.

A safe, methodical process is being used to make progress on the Deep Fire. Crews are challenged with the steep and rugged terrain, but are building handline towards natural barriers, such as rocky ridges. Containment line is also being constructed along Canyon Creek Road to limit fire spread north towards timber sales and high use recreation areas.

Thunder storm activity is expected to continue through the day. A red flag warning will be in effect today for lighting and gusty winds. Temperatures will cool slightly and humidity will remain in the lower ranges.

There will be a community meeting in Fort Jones at the City Hall tonight at 7 p.m. to provide information on the current fire status.

Fort Jones City Hall
11960 East St.
Fort Jones, CA

Currently, there are no evacuations in effect for communities near the Salmon August Complex.

September 11, 2017 at 8:31 AM

Crews are still making good progress on the Wallow Fire by constructing and improving containment line on the north, east and south perimeter. Several areas within the Wallow Fire perimeter are unburned. As a drying trend continues, smoke will be produced from these areas and they will be closely monitored. Crews continue to prepare defensible fuel breaks and patrol along the Sawyers Bar and Salmon River Road.

A safe, methodical process is being used to make progress on the Deep Fire. Crews are challenged with the steep and rugged terrain, but are building handline towards natural barriers, such as rocky ridges. Containment line is also being constructed along Canyon Creek Road to limit fire spread north towards timber sales and high use recreation areas.

Warm and dry conditions continue over the complex today. Dry northeast and easterly winds will reduce humidity, allowing fuels to dry out and become more receptive to fire spread. This evening, moisture could approach from the south and bring a chance of thunderstorms.

There will be a community meeting in Fort Jones at the City Hall tomorrow night at 7 p.m. to provide information on the current fire status.

Fort Jones City Hall
11960 East St.
Fort Jones, CA

Currently, there are no evacuations in effect for communities near the Salmon August Complex.

September 11, 2017 at 7:22 AM

The Salmon August Complex includes 8 separate fires, all of which are being managed in unified command by Southern California Incident Management Team #2 and CALFIRE

Due to the proximity to the City of Etna and the fire activity, the Wallow Fire is the priority on this complex.

Crews and equipment are still making progress constructing and improving containment lines. Several areas within the Wallow Fire perimeter are unburned. As a drying trend continues, smoke will be produced from these areas and they will be closely monitored.

On the Deep Fire, some progress was made in the very steep and rugged terrain. Burning material can roll down the steep terrain, challenging containment lines and safety of the firefighters. Crews are looking for opportunities to build handline towards natural barriers, such as rocky ridges.

Containment line is also being constructed along Canyon Creek Road to limit fire spread north towards timber sales and high use recreation areas. Helicopters continue to be used to cool hotspots with water drops.

The recent precipitation moistened fuels, but has diminished considerably. A warming and drying trend continues over the complex today. Dry northeast winds will reduce humidity allowing fuels to dry out and become more receptive to fire spread.

Yesterday’s community meeting in Forks of Salmon was well attended. Communities along the Sawyers Bar and Salmon River Road will still be receiving updated information, as crews continue to prepare defensible fuel breaks and patrol along these roads.

As of 8 a.m. yesterday, the evacuation warning for the Sawyers Bar Road and Salmon River Road has been lifted. However, many crews and equipment are still working in this area, please be cautious of personnel working along the road and keep vehicle speed to a minimum.

A forest closure order is in effect for the portions of Marble Mountain Wilderness until the fire is declared out. The Pacific Crest Trail No. 2000 (Pacific Crest Trail) is included in the new closure from the intersection with Forest Trail No. 5545 (Kidder Creek Trail) to its intersection with Forest Trail No. 5542 (Shackleford Trail).

Breakdown of Fires in Complex

Wallow Fire: 64,743 acres; 26% containment. Fire fighters will continue to construct and improve lines on the north and east of the fire.

Deep Fire: Approximately 199 acres; 4% containment.

Fourth Fire: One quarter acre; 100% containment. The fire will continue to be monitored.

Claire Fire: One tenth acre; 100% containment. The fire will continue to be monitored.

Mary Fire: 91 acres; 100% containment; located five miles south of Cecilville on the divide between the Klamath and Shasta Trinity National Forests. The fire will continue to be monitored.

Rush Fire: 3 acres; 100% containment. The fire will continue to be monitored.

Grizzly Fire: 90 acres; 100% containment. The fire will continue to be monitored.

Garden Fire: 266 acres; 100% containment.

September 9, 2017 at 12:01 PM

With the recent moisture and another day of cooler temperatures, fire activity on the Wallow Fire has somewhat decreased. Crews and equipment are still making good progress constructing and improving containment lines. Several areas within the Wallow Fire perimeter are unburned. As a drying trend begins, smoke will be produced from these areas and they will be closely monitored by air reconnaissance. In addition to the five helicopters already assigned, three National Guard Blackhawk helicopters are now assigned to the Salmon August Complex to assist with water drops.

On the Deep Fire, crews continue to assess how to safely work in the very steep and rugged terrain. Burning material can roll down the steep terrain, challenging containment lines and safety of the firefighters.

A warming and drying trend will develop over the complex today. Temperatures will increase and highs are expected to reach into the low 80’s. A noticeable drop in humidity is expected and winds will be coming from the northwest, producing gusts up to 15 mph. These factors will cause fuels to dry out and become more receptive to fire spread.

There will a community meeting in Forks of Salmon. The original location was announced as the Forks of Salmon School but has been changed to the Community Club today at 2 p.m.

As of 8 a.m. today, the evacuation warning for the Sawyers Bar Road and Salmon River Road has been lifted. However, many crews and equipment are still working in this area, please be cautious of personnel working along the road and keep vehicle speed to a minimum.

September 7, 2017 at 9:00 AM

The August 11th date was the start date of the Wallow Fire. The August 13th date reflects when the fires were designated as the Salmon August complex.

Wallow Fire: 64,743 acres; 15% containment. Fire fighters will continue to construct and improve lines on the north and east of the fire.
Mary Fire: 91 acres; 70% containment; located five miles south of Cecilville on the divide between the Klamath and Shasta Trinity National Forests. Crews have cut line into the areas of most threat.
Rush Fire: 3 acres; 100% containment. The fire will continue to be monitored.
Grizzly Fire: 90 acres; 100% containment. The fire will continue to be monitored.
Garden Fire: 266 acres; 100% containment.

Though the Wallow Fire remains very active, easterly winds provided enough smoke clearing and visibility to utilize aerial resources. A Very Large Air Tanker (VLAT), which carries 24, 000 gallons of retardant, reinforced containment lines west of Whiskey Butte. Dry ground fuels, gusty winds, spotting, and steep terrain continue to produce rapid fire spread in isolated areas of the Wallow Fire. The priority areas of the Wallow Fire are the northeast, east and southern portions of the fire, where private property and structures exist.

Crews will continue to improve line construction to defend the Salmon River communities and improved line along Patterson Ridge, Patterson Creek, Kidder Creek, Etna Mill Creek, Whiskey Butte, Yellow Jacket Ridge and Sawyers Bar Road. Fuels reduction and structure preparation will continue along Salmon River Valley communities. Crews continue to strengthen line construction around the City of Etna.

September 6, 2017 at 8:44 PM

Active fire behavior uphill and wind driven runs. Threat to the communities of Etna and Greenview. An evacuation order has been put in place for the area from Etna Summit to Nordheimer Flat on Sawyers Bar Road. 400 single residential structures, 15 commercial property and 150 other minor structures threatened. The fire is impacting Etna’s water supply. Red Flag Warning in effect through 11pm Thursday for abundant lightning and dry fuels. Forest road, trail and area closures remain in effect.

September 5, 2017 at 11:01 AM

Yesterday the inversion lifted enough to create slightly better visibility above the fire area. A fixed wing aerial reconnaissance flight was utilized to better determine the fire perimeter and recent spread. The Wallow fire is still very active. Large smoke columns were produced yesterday afternoon in portions of the fire. Specifically, in the areas west of Whiskey Butte, south of Yellow Dog Peak, upper Crapo Creek, and west of Bear Wallow Peak. Long range spotting and roll-out of burning material created fire spread in the steep terrain, while dry downed fuels carried fire spread throughout other areas within the fire. Crews continue preparing structures and property for protection in this area by clearing burnable vegetation and placing sprinkler systems around structures. Due to consistent fire activity at night, crews and engines are still in place to patrol, mitigate and monitor the fire overnight. Smoke is still inhibiting aircraft to support crews with water drops and retardant. However, six helicopters are still prepared to assist when visibility improves. The reduced visibility also affects the ability for aerial IR (infrared) flights to accurately assess fire spread.

Hot and dry conditions will persist throughout the day, with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. The weather forecast is calling for gusty winds Wednesday evening. Some of the current resources on this incident will be assigned to support initial attack for new, local fire starts.

The current Evacuation Order for the Sawyers Bar and Main Stem Road will be reduced to an Evacuation Warning at 12:00 p.m. today. This area includes Nordheimer Flat to Etna Summit on the Sawyers Bar Road. As many crews and equipment are still working in this area, please be cautious of personnel working along the road and keep vehicle speed to a minimum.

There will be a community meeting held in Sawyers Bar at the Salmon River Restoration Council today at 2:00 p.m.

A forest closure order is in effect for the portions of Marble Mountain Wilderness until the fire is declared out. The Pacific Crest Trail No. 2000 (Pacific Crest Trail) is included in the new closure from the intersection with Forest Trail No. 5545 (Kidder Creek Trail) to its intersection with Forest Trail No. 5542 (Shackleford Trail). Details of closure points can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5501/#

An evacuation order is in effect from Etna Summit to Nordheimer Flat on the Sawyers Bar and North Stem Road, until 12:00 p.m. today.

* The August 11th date was the start date of the Wallow Fire. The August 13th date reflects when the fires were designated as the Salmon August complex.

September 4, 2017 at 1:41 PM

The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office has issued an Evacuation Order. An evacuation order is put in place for the area from Etna Summit to Nordheimer Flat on Sawyers Bar Road. This is an order to evacuate due to a wildfire in the area. The location of the shelter has changed from Etna High School to the Fort Jones Community Church.

Fort Jones Community Church
13007 Hwy. 3
Fort Jones, CA. 96032

An Evacuation Order is issued when movement of community members out of a defined area due to an immediate threat to life and property from an emergency incident. An Evacuation Order should be used when there is potential or actual threat to civilian life within 1 to 2 hours or when the incident commander deems it necessary to protect civilians.

Due to the red flag warning for gusty, northeast winds and active fire on the Wallow Fire, the evacuation warning that was issued Friday afternoon for residents along Sawyers Bar Road was upgraded last night at 8:30 p.m. to an evacuation order. The area affected includes Nordheimer Flat to Etna Summit on the Sawyers Bar Road. An evacuation shelter is in place at the Etna High School. The evacuation order remains in place until further notice.

The red flag warning should expire after 9 a.m. this morning. However, hot and dry conditions are still expected throughout the next few days, with a chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon. Forecasted weather will likely be unfavorable for containment efforts.

The Wallow fire remains very active in four locations:  North of Etna Mill Creek, south of Yellow Dog Peak, areas around Chimney Rock, and west of Bear Wallow Peak. Long range spotting and roll-out of burning material create fire spread in the steep terrain, while dry, downed fuels carry fire spread throughout other areas within the fire. Crews continue preparing structures and property for protection in this area by clearing burnable vegetation and placing sprinkler systems around structures. Due to consistent fire activity at night, crews and engines are still in place to patrol, mitigate and monitor the fire overnight.

Heavy smoke continues to create a challenge for aircraft to support crews with water drops and retardant.  However, six helicopters are still prepared to assist when visibility improves. The reduced visibility also affects the ability for aerial IR (infrared) flights to accurately assess fire spread.

A forest closure order is in effect for the portions of Marble Mountain Wilderness until the fire is declared out. The Pacific Crest Trail No. 2000 (Pacific Crest Trail) is included in the new closure from the intersection with Forest Trail No. 5545 (Kidder Creek Trail) to its intersection with Forest Trail No. 5542 (Shackleford Trail). Details of closure points can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5501/#

An evacuation order is in effect from Etna Summit to Nordheimer Flat on the Sawyers Bar Road.

Wallow Fire: 48,439 acres; 10% containment. Fire fighters will continue to construct and improve lines on the north and east of the fire. The south and southwest areas are being closely monitored and areas to construct handline and use dozers is being assessed. The Island and Pointers Fires have been consume by the Wallow Fire and are no longer being reported separately.

Mary Fire: 91 acres; 70% containment; located five miles south of Cecilville on the divide between the Klamath and Shasta Trinity National Forests. Crews have constructed line in areas that create the most threat. The fire will continue to be monitored.

Rush Fire: 3 acres; 100% containment. The fire will continue to be monitored.

Grizzly Fire: 90 acres; 100% containment.  The fire will continue to be monitored.

Garden Fire: 266 acres; 100% containment.

September 3, 2017 at 7:41 PM

Active fire behavior, group torching uphill and wind driven runs. Large fires within the complex, Wallow fire 48,447 acres and 10% contained with a confine strategy. Mary fire is 142 acres and 70% contained with a monitor suppression strategy. Evacuation warning has been issued for the communities of Sawyers Bar and Forks of Salmon. 400 single residential structures, 15 commercial properties and 150 other minor structures are threatened. The fire is impacting the city of Etna’s water shed. Threats to numerous endangered species habitats, private timbers lands and ancestral land for the Shastean and Karuk people. Forest road, trail, and area closures in effect. Red Flag Warning for the fire area in effect from 8PM Sunday through 9AM Monday for gusty winds and low RH.

September 2, 2017 at 8:10 AM

Crews will continue working and scouting for indirect and direct line opportunity along Patterson Ridge, Patterson Creek, Kidder Creek, Etna Mill Creek, Whiskey Butte, and the ridge line between DP1 and DP15. Crews strengthened and held established lines along the PCT in Div A and Div D. Crews anticipate completing the line around the large spot in Div D by the end of next operational period. Creating Sawyers Bar Contingency Group, resources will be improving defensible space around structures.

September 1, 2017 at 9:59 AM

Crews made progress over night in Branch I and II as they continued to strengthen, hold, and mop up where appropriate along the PCT and established lines in Div A and Div D while completing hand line from Patterson ridge to Babs Creek. Dozers completed line North on Patterson Ridge to DP11 outside of the wilderness. Crews plumbed and prepped line from DP6 to H4, dozers completed line from Whiskey Butte to DP12 and scouted for direct and indirect line opportunities from DP1 to DP15.

A red flag warning has been issued for the area from 5p.m. to 9 a.m. and an excessive heat warning has been issued 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Monday 9/4/17. Heating and drying will continue through the holiday weekend with temperatures in the mid 90’s and low relative humidity with increased winds. The passing cold front will produce E-NE winds at 10-12 mph with gusting to 25 mph over the incident.

August 30, 2017 at 3:16 PM

Wallow Fire: 18,325 acres; 19% containment. Fire fighters working to prevent farther spread east of the PCT and south towards Abbott Ranch. This fire has grown into the Island Fire, and consumed it.
Island Fire: 1,692 acres; 60% confinement. There is very little heat detected, and there was no movement of the fire yesterday.
Mary Fire: 142 acres; 10% containment; located five miles south of Cecilville on the divide between the Klamath and Shasta Trinity National Forests. Crews have cut line into the areas of most threat.
Rush Fire: 3 acres; 50% containment. Helitac and hotshot crews were able to keep the fire in check, and the area is being monitored.
Grizzly Fire: 90 acres; 100% containment. Monitor and assess for any future operation needs.
Pointers Fire: 3 acres; 100% containment.
Garden Fire: 183 acres; 100% containment.

The Salmon August Complex Fires have grown to over 20,000 acres, with 1,577 personnel assigned to the incident. The Wallow Fire is located on the northern flank of the complex and remains the largest and most active fire. Crews were able to keep the fire in check on the northern end near the Kidder Creek and Shelly Fork area yesterday. The main fire has grown into the previous spot fires in Babs Creek, and is now established in the Patterson Creek Drainage. Crews worked to find access to hold the fire in place and will continue their effort today. Fire fighters continue to strengthen contingency lines to prevent the spread towards communities in the Scott Valley. Air operations was able to assist ground crews yesterday, and will continue today. There are 12 helicopters being shared with the Salmon August Complex Fires and surrounding complexes. They were used to drop water in the Etna Mill Creek near Etna Summit area, while air tankers dropped fire retardant in the Sawyers Bar Road north of the Pacific Crest Trail. Five air tankers made drops yesterday, but were later diverted to the Ponderosa Fire in Butte County. Four air tankers are on order for today.

The fire area will continue to have warming and drying conditions, with an increase in temperature for the next two days. Winds are also expected, which will contribute to an increase in fire behavior.

A forest closure order is in effect for the Marble Mountain Wilderness until the fire is declared out. The Pacific Crest Trail No. 2000 (Pacific Crest Trail) is included in the new closure from the intersection with Forest Trail No. 5545 (Kidder Creek Trail) to its intersection with Forest Trail No. 5542 (Shackleford Trail). Details of closure points can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5501/#

Residents within Siskiyou County can expect to see smoke for the next several days, from this complex and surrounding fires. A daily Air Quality Report is posted on the fire’s Inciweb page.

August 30, 2017 at 7:50 AM

Fire Public Meeting
Salmon River Fire Safe Council meeting
Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.
Location:
Salmon River Restoration Council Watershed Center in Sawyers Bar
25631 Sawyers Bar Rd
Sawyers Bar, CA 96027

August 29, 2017 at 9:16 AM

Crews will continue working in the Patterson drainage and scouting contingency lines. Crews will continue to strengthen and hold established lines along the PCT and the spots east of the PCT. In addition, crews will continue to prep and improve the line south along the PCT towards Pointers Gulch and Razor Ridge.

Projected Incident Activity : Afternoon warming coupled with wind and slope alignment has caused increased fire behavior in Etna Mill Creek, near Etna Summit. Warmer Temperatures, low RH, receptive fuels, drying trends, will continue throughout the fire area.

For clarification regarding two Mill Creeks on the Salmon August Complex the following will apply:

1) Mill Creek in Etna will be referred to as “Etna Mill Creek” (Near Etna Summit)
2) Mill Creek near Quartz Valley will remain as “Mill Creek.”

A warming and drying trend will continue with temperatures 95-100 and humidity in the low teens. Winds will become S-SW at 5-8 mph with gusts to 12 mph and a moderate smoke inversion developing over the incident tonight.

August 28, 2017 at 7:12 PM

Fire behavior increased today due to hotter, dryer weather. Wallow fire 12,825 acres and 19% contained with a confine strategy. Island is 1,675 acres and 60% contained. Mary fire is 142 acres and 10% contained with a monitor strategy. Fire is posing a threat to scattered homes along Saywers Bar Road, Snoozers Ridge, the City of Etna, and Western Scotts Valley including Scotts Valley High school and Elementary School. Threats to numerous endangered species habitats, private timbers lands and ancestral land for the Shastean and Karuk people. Forest road, trail, and area closures in effect.

As of 11:30 a.m. on August 28, 2017, there are no evacuations in place.

August 27, 2017 at 10:41 AM

There are over 1,400 personnel assigned to the Salmon August Complex Fires, and the US Forest Service and CAL FIRE continue to be in unified command. Fire fighters from all over the country have arrived to assist in containing the fire. Although there was an increase in fire activity on the Wallow Fire yesterday, most of it was observed southwest of the Pacific Crest Trail. Crews have made significant progress in containing the spot fires north of the PCT that started earlier in the week. Fire fighters are also continuing to work around structures to create barriers for contingency lines in case the fire spreads east towards communities in the Scott Valley.

Although the fire area contains steep and rocky terrain, fire crews continue to mount aggressive direct attack along the fire’s edge to stop its growth. Large down trees and dead fuels are what continue to provide material that will eventually be consumed over the next few days.

Weather for the next two days is expected to have temperatures up to 100 degrees, with low relative humidity resulting in critical fire weather. Slight clearing of smoke has improved conditions for visibility and aircraft use, but it will result in some fire growth as the heat will penetrate the surface fuels. Fire fighters are prepared for conditions that may intensify fire behavior today which could include some growth in the Pointers Creek drainage.

The Marble Mountain Wilderness area, including a segment of the PCT is closed until the Salmon August Complex Fire is declared out. Details of closure points can be found on InciWeb at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5501/#

The Pacific Crest Trail No. 2000 (Pacific Crest Trail) is included in the new closure from the intersection with Forest Trail No. 5545 (Kidder Creek Trail) to its intersection with Forest Trail No. 5542 (Shackleford Trail).

Wallow Fire: 11,765 acres; 16% confinement. Fire fighters are strengthening contingency lines northeast of the PCT to create fire barriers.

Island Fire: 1,655 acres; 60% confinement. The fire contains hot spots in the interior that firefighters are managing, allowing the fire to continue to burn to the west until it burns itself out. The fire continues to be monitored by firefighters to ensure this.

Mary Fire: 142 acres; 10% containment; located five miles south of Cecilville on the divide between the Klamath and Shasta Trinity National Forests. Crews have cut line into the areas of most threat.

Rush Fire: .5 acres; 0% containment. Crews actively working line.

Grizzly Fire: 90 acres; 100% containment. Monitor and assess for any future operation needs.

Pointers Fire: 2.5 acres; 100% containment.

Garden Fire: 183 acres; 100% containment.

August 25, 2017 at 7:28 AM

Wallow Fire: 10,035 acres; 16% containment. Fire fighters continue to extinguish and contain the spot fires that crossed the Pacific Crest Trail with ground crews and bulldozers.

Island Fire: 1,564 acres; 60% confinement. The fire is in a confined strategy; allowing the fire to continue to burn to the west until it burns itself out. The fire continues to be monitored by fire fighters to ensure this.

Mary Fire: 95 acres; 10% containment; is located five miles south of Cecilville on the divide between the Klamath and Shasta Trinity National Forests. Because this fire is distant from private property or other values, it has been designated the number two priority for the complex.

Grizzly Fire: 90 acres; 100% containment. Monitor and assess for any future operation needs.

Pointers Fire: 2.5 acres; 100% containment.

Garden Fire: 183 acres; 100% containment.

August 22, 2017 at 9:41 AM

All Wallow Fire resources effort will be directed at suppressing spot fires east of the PCT and protecting private timber lands, homes along Kidder Creek, Greenview and the town of Etna. Other crews will work to open old contingency lines up Snoozer Ridge towards Pointers gulch. Contingency resources will work to stop the fire spread near the private timber lands east of the PCT and west of Kidder Creek.

The Wallow fire (primary concern in the complex) will continue to burn primarily east up Pointers Gulch and the Timothy drainage. The spread of the fire continues in the direction of the Pacific Crest Trail. The Wallow fire will continue to grow to the west but this is the desired natural effect and will be contained by previous large fires. Crews will hand fire where needed along the PCT to contain the eastern spread of the Wallow fire. Spot fires across the PCT will threaten private timber holdings as well as the loss of critical watershed, recreational values, and structures. The Mary fire will continue backing down the Plummer drainage and has potential to get into a large stringer of red needle fir trees.

Spotting occurred today along the PCT and crews are working to aggressively suppress these spot fires. Multiple additional contingency resources have been ordered and are enroute. These resources will work to keep the fire from becoming established in the private timber lands and structures along the Kidder Creek drainage. Red flag conditions over the fire area tomorrow. The six fires are being managed within the complex: Wallow, Pointers, Island, Garden, Grizzly and Mary. Only two of the fires are active, Wallow and Mary. The overhead block in item 48 below includes 24 smoke jumpers and 36 members of fire use modules, all of which are on the fireline.

August 21, 2017 at 12:11 PM

The complex contains six fires; three are 100% contained; three continue to be active. Forest and fire managers will continue to focus efforts on the Wallow Fire due to the impact the fire conditions could have on private lands if it spreads. The past two days of hand and aerial ignitions on the Wallow Fire have been successful and will continue to work to secure the fire’s edge at the Pacific Crest Trail. The ignitions involve ground crew using drip torches to apply fire in designated areas; aerial resources use a Plastic Sphere Dispenser (PSD) to drop flammable balls to areas that have been prepared for ignition. By containing the Wallow Fire’s growth to the east, the threat to private lands is reduced. The area of the fires is steep, difficult to access, and filled with many other hazards. This makes firing operations the best option for stopping the fire that is low intensity, burning undergrowth, and providing wildlife benefits. Firefighters will be assigned to the Mary Fire to assess the fire’s current condition and potential need for management actions.

The increase in acreage is due to the successful hand and aerial ignitions. The percent containment change is due to more accurate mapping of the fires within the complex. Fire camp was established Saturday in Etna. Today is the first day of school; drivers need to be alert for increased bus and car traffic, as well as children crossing the streets. Please observe closed road and trailhead postings for public and firefighter safety. Since hand and aerial ignitions will continue, expect increased smoke impacts in the Etna-Ft. Jones and I-5 corridors. Thunderstorms are in the forecast for Tuesday and could bring some precipitation.

A community meeting will be held tonight, August 21st at 5:30 pm at Etna High School, 400 Howell Ave, Etna 96027.

The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Etna Summit north to Lovers Camp Trailhead (Forest Trail No. 5532). Forest Closure Order 17-05-799 remains in effect and is being revised to include Lovers Camp Trailhead (Forest Trail No. 5532) for the Salmon-August Complex as follows:

Forest Trail No. 5419 (Cabin Gulch Trail).
Forest Trail No. 5401 (Right Hand Fork Trail).
Forest Trail No. 5405 (North Fork Salmon Trail), beginning at the Mule Bridge Trailhead Developed Recreation Site and continuing northerly to its intersection with Forest Trail No. 5401 (Right Hand Fork Trail).
Forest Trail No. 2000 (Pacific Crest Trail), beginning at its intersection with County Road No. 1C01 (Sawyer Bar Road) and continuing northerly to its intersection with Forest Trail No. 5545 (Kidder Creek Trail)
Forest Trail No. 5403 (Bug Gulch Trail), beginning at its intersection with Forest Trail No. 5401 (Right Hand Fork Trail) and continuing westerly to its intersection with Grant Creek.

Wallow Fire: 3,838 acres; 0% containment. In the Marble Mountain; is the main fire of concern. CAL FIRE continues its work to improve access on private roads adjacent to the Marble Mountain Wilderness and to reinforce established lines to shorten the access time for crews into the site prep areas near the PCT.
Island Fire: 1,539 acres; 60% containment. Creeping and smoldering behavior; being monitored by air resources. Due to the increased fire activity, the North Fork Salmon Trail No. 5405 is closed at Mule Bridge. The fire is unstaffed.
Mary Fire: 76 acres; 0% containment; is located five miles south of Cecilville on the divide between the Klamath and Shasta Trinity National Forests. Due to this fire being distant from private property or other values, it is a low priority for firefighting resources and is currently unstaffed.
Grizzly Fire: 90 acres; 100% containment. Monitor and assess for any future operation needs.
Pointers Fire: 2.5 acres; 100% containment.
Garden Fire: 183 acres; 100% containment.

Residents in the communities between Yreka and Etna can expect to see smoke for the next several days, since smoke from this complex and surrounding fires continue to affect the area. A daily Air Quality Report is posted on the fire’s Inciweb page.

August 18, 2017 at 6:57 AM

CA-IMT2 (Fogle) will take command 8/18/17 at 1800hrs. Large fires in the complex: Wallow: 2,600 acres, 0% contained; Garden, 236 acres, 75% contained; Island: 1,473 acres, 60%, contained. Grizzly: 66 acres, 70% contained.

Wallow Fire: is located near Bear Wallow Peak in the Marble Mountain Wilderness and is estimated around 418 acres. It is burning in very steep and rocky terrain. The Wallow Fire has spotted across the Right Hand North Fork Salmon River and has established on the other side of the drainage. Crews are being relocated to the Pacific Crest Trail from the North Fork of the Salmon River. Aviation resources are working to slow its spread while firefighters prepare the Pacific Crest Trail to utilize it as a containment line. The Pacific Crest Trail is closed from Etna Summit north to the Kidder Creek Trail 5545. CAL FIRE is providing resources to work on improving access on private roads adjacent to the Marble Mountain Wilderness. It is at 0% containment.

Island Fire: is three miles west of the Wallow, at 1,473 acres. It is creeping and smoldering, and is being monitored by air resources. Due to the increased fire activity, the North Fork Salmon Trail number 5405 is closed at Mule Bridge.

Pointers Fire: is located below the Pacific Crest Trail three miles north of Etna Summit. It is 2 ½ acres, and it is at 100% containment. Resources from the Pointers are being moved to the Wallow Fire.

Mary Fire: is located five miles south of Cecilville on the divide between the Klamath and Shasta Trinity National Forests. It is estimated at 41 acres. Due to this fire being distant from private property or other values, it is a low priority for firefighting resources and is currently unstaffed. 0% containment.

Grizzly Fire: is located four miles southeast of Petersburg. It is estimated to be 64 acres. It is at 70% containment. Nine smokejumpers and three 20 person hand crews are continuing to construct containment line around the fire.

Garden Fire: is located four miles east of Petersburg, entirely in the Trinity Alps Wilderness Area. It is 236 acres. Crews are mopping up the fire 50-100 feet in from the fire line. The fire is at 100% containment.

Residents in Ft. Jones can expect to see smoke for the next several days, as smoke from this complex and surrounding fires continue to affect the area.

Operational update: This complex consists of six fires.Forest Closure Order 17-05-799 remains in effect for the Salmon August Complex as follows:

Forest Trail No. 5419 (Cabin Gulch Trail).

Forest Trail No. 5401 (Right Hand Fork Trail).

Forest Trail No. 5405 (North Fork Salmon Trail), beginning at the Mule Bridge Trailhead Developed Recreation Site and continuing northerly to its intersection with Forest Trail No. 5401 (Right Hand Fork Trail).

Forest Trail No. 2000 (Pacific Crest Trail), beginning at its intersection with County Road No. 1C01 (Sawyer Bar Road) and continuing northerly to its intersection with Forest Trail No. 5545 (Kidder Creek Trail).

Forest Trail No. 5403 (Bug Gulch Trail), beginning at its intersection with Forest Trail No. 5401 (Right Hand Fork Trail) and continuing westerly to its intersection with Grant Creek.