Shelly, Klamath NF

Shelly, Klamath NF, USFS. CIMT (CA Team 1) and IMT 1 (Cal Fire Team 6). Eight miles west of Etna, CA. Timber and brush. Minimal fire behavior with backing, creeping and smoldering. Structures and communication infrastructure threatened. Area, road and trail closures in effect.

July 27, 2024 at 8:32 AM

Firefighters have made substantial progress in both containment and suppression repair. Though isolated pockets in the inaccessible Kidder Creek area may continue to smoke, control lines are expected to hold.

This will be the final update for the Shelly Fire incident from CAL FIRE Team 6 and CIIMT1.

Weather:

Winds will begin calming down this weekend, though low relative humidity will remain. Cooler temperatures are expected to arrive early next week.

July 26, 2024 at 8:00 AM

The fire perimeter has held during recent strong winds. Firefighters continue working toward full containment.

Resources are being released to support new incidents. Those that remain focus on timely repair and clean up of the areas utilized during suppression efforts.

Drivers should continue to remain alert for fire personnel and heavy equipment on or near the roadways.

July 25, 2024 at 7:42 AM

Most of the effort at the Shelly Fire is now on suppression repair.

The Kidder Creek and Babs Ridge areas still have isolated pockets of heat, which may produce smoke and poor visibility. Crews will address these areas as a high priority, and the fire is expected to remain within the current perimeter.

Drivers should continue to remain alert for fire personnel and heavy equipment on or near the roadways.

WEATHER:

Today will have low relative humidity, high temperatures, and gusty southwest winds up to 35 miles per hour.

July 24, 2024 at 9:49 AM

The fire’s behavior is expected to stay largely the same today. Areas around Kidder Creek and Patterson Creek may produce smoke as the fire finds unburnt pockets of fuel. Crews will be focusing on fire suppression repair work to rehab roads and trails that may have been impacted by suppression efforts. To this point, 49% of bulldozer lines have been repaired and inspected.

While Shelly Fire operations is reducing the number of personnel and equipment, the safety of the community remains paramount.

Drivers in the area should remain alert for fire personnel and heavy equipment on or near the roadways.

WEATHER:

Today brings a 30% chance of thunderstorms along with outflowing winds that may influence fire behavior, while not testing containment lines.

July 23, 2024 at 7:59 AM

The fire’s footprint is expected to stay largely the same this morning into the night. Areas around Kidder Creek and Patterson Creek may continue to smolder in isolated pockets, but these pose little threat to control lines.

Shelly Fire operations is reducing the number of personnel and equipment while continuing to focus on suppression repair.

Drivers in the area should remain alert for fire personnel and heavy equipment on or near the roadways.

WEATHER:

Today will be the hottest day of the week, bringing moisture in the afternoon, along with a chance of thunderstorms.

July 22, 2024 at 8:09 AM

Little to no growth is anticipated within the Shelly Fire’s current perimeter. Though fuels continue to smolder in isolated areas around Kidder Creek and the area north of Babs Lake, these pose little threat to control lines.

Shelly Fire operations will begin reducing the footprint of personnel and equipment and transition into fire suppression repair.

While these efforts continue, drivers in the area should remain alert for fire personnel and heavy equipment on or near the roadways.

WEATHER:

A warming trend will begin today and continue until a weak trough on Wednesday brings the potential for isolated thunderstorms.

July 21, 2024 at 8:02 AM

In the past day, the Shelly Fire perimeter has shown little growth. Ground and air resources continue to address isolated spots of intense heat, particularly in the upper Kidder Creek area. These areas may continue to smoke over the course of the next week but pose no immediate threat to containment lines.

Crew efforts are now shifting to mop up, backhauling equipment, and suppression repair.

Drivers in the area are asked to remain alert for fire personnel and heavy equipment on or near the roadways, as both day and night crews are still working toward full containment.

WEATHER:

Relative humidity will increase today as an onshore pressure gradient brings moisture to the area. However, a high-pressure system will strengthen again into the next week, bringing hot, dry, and windy conditions.

July 20, 2024 at 11:08 AM

Personnel continue concentrated efforts to expand containment around the Shelly Fire. This includes engaging in mop-up operations along much of the north and east perimeters from upper Kidder Creek down to the Patterson Creek drainage areas, and further developing fire lines along the south and west perimeters in the vicinity of the Pacific Crest Trail.

In the northwest near Mill Creek and in the south along the Right Hand North Fork Salmon River, where the fire remains a bit more active, crews have continued to go direct with air and ground resources. Along the east side, crews are beginning to work on suppression repair efforts in and around affected communities.

Drivers in the area should remain alert for fire personnel and heavy equipment on or near the roadways, as both day and night crews continue working toward full containment.

WEATHER:

Increasingly hot and dry conditions with southwest terrain-driven winds will continue into next week, with a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms this evening.

July 19, 2024 at 9:20 AM

As of today, California Interagency Management Team 1 has joined CAL FIRE Team 6 in unified command on the Shelly Fire, completing the transition from California Interagency Management Team 12 and CAL FIRE Siskiyou Unit.

Yesterday, personnel made good progress in increasing containment along the fire’s north and east perimeter including in the Kidder Creek and Patterson Creek drainage areas, and continued to go direct with air and ground resources along the southern and western portions of the fire. Small pockets of interior fuel continue to burn in some areas; currently they do not pose a major threat to containment lines.

As further progress has been made, evacuation orders and warnings have been reduced accordingly; please visit the Siskiyou County Sherriff Office webpage for the latest information. Drivers in the area should remain alert for fire personnel and heavy equipment on or near the roadways, as crews continue expanding containment lines and addressing any flare-ups around the fire’s perimeter.

Weather:

A hot and dry pattern with enhanced terrain-driven winds will continue for the next several days, with a slight chance of isolated thunderstorms Saturday evening.

July 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM

A community meeting will be held tonight at 7:00 p.m. at the Etna High School Cafeteria, 400 Howell Ave., Etna, CA 96027. The meeting will also be livestreamed on both the Klamath National Forest and CAL FIRE Siskiyou Unit Facebook pages.

esterday, slightly increased humidities allowed for favorable conditions over the fire area. Fire crews utilized this opportunity to work directly on the fires edge and improve and strengthening containment lines. Firefighters continue to use hoselines to extend mop-up efforts around the fire perimeter. Afternoon winds tested containment lines in the Kidder Creek area moving east towards Patterson.

Today, resources will focus on strengthening containment lines and mopping up north of Kidder Creek Rd. Firefighters will continue to work on the southern edge of the fire line, north of Babs Creek. Suppression repair efforts are beginning in the north contingency branch.

Hwy 3 is open with traffic control points from Etna to Fort Jones for public and firefighter safety. Drivers in the Shelly Fire area are reminded to slow down and remain alert for heavy equipment and fire personnel on or near the roadways.

WEATHER:

Today’s forecast brings windy, warm, and dry conditions. Terrain driven winds are expected for the next several days. Low humidity and warmer temperatures will increase as we move toward the weekend with highs near 90 degrees and low 100’s in the valley.

July 16, 2024 at 10:20 AM

Yesterday, a second round of thunderstorms swept over the fire area, bringing increased wind and precipitation. Rainfall varied, with some areas receiving only one tenth of an inch. Despite the rain, it was not sufficient for the entire fire perimeter, still leaving a threat.

Overall, the weather conditions were beneficial for suppression efforts. Lower temperatures and higher humidity levels enabled firefighters to directly confront areas with high fire intensity.

Today, our resources will focus going direct on Shackleford Ridge, progressing southwest towards Campbell and Cliff Lakes. The structure group will continue to prioritize protection in Quartz Valley, Greenview, Etna, and surrounding areas. Over 3200 personnel are diligently working to combat the Shelly Fire and ensure the safety of the community.

Hwy 3 is open with traffic control from Etna to Fort Jones for public and firefighter safety. Drivers in the Shelly Fire area are reminded to slow down and remain alert for heavy equipment and fire personnel on or near the roadways.

WEATHER:

Tuesday brings another day of possible thunderstorms causing erratic winds over and around the fire through this afternoon. Although humidities will continue slightly higher today they begin to drop and temperatures increase later in the the week. 

July 15, 2024 at 9:51 AM

Yesterday, firefighting efforts benefited from slightly cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels following the passage of thunderstorms over the area. Hand and dozer line construction extended from Patterson Creek southwest to Whisky Butte, with hose lines. The Shackleford drainage area continued to receive support through water and retardant drops. A severe thunderstorm cell passing directly over the fire prompted crews to temporarily retreat from direct firefighting efforts to ensure firefighter safety. Once the storm had cleared, crews resumed their direct attack tactics.

Today, resources will focus on direct firefighting efforts along Shackleford Ridge, progressing southwest towards Campbell and Cliff Lakes. Protecting structures in Quartz Valley, Greenview, Etna, and surrounding areas remains our utmost priority. Engine crews are deployed strategically in and around these communities.

Drivers in the Shelly Fire area are urged to exercise caution, reduce speed, and remain vigilant for heavy equipment and fire personnel on or near roadways.

WEATHER:

There is a RED FLAG WARNING in effect until 9:00pm today. Enhanced terrain-driven up-canyon winds will continue, with westerly down-canyon winds in the late afternoon and evening. Some isolated dry thunderstorms are again possible throughout the day. Strong outflow winds are possible, near any thunderstorms, with gusts ranging from 20 mph. 

July 14, 2024 at 9:01 AM

Yesterday, the fire experienced another highly active day as the inversion lifted. Containment lines in the northwest section were tested as the fire advanced with brief uphill runs. In the Shackleford drainage area, firefighters received aerial support from aircraft conducting water and retardant drops to slow the fire’s progression and bolster primary and secondary lines.

Escalating fire intensity necessitated crews to pull back on the northeast to the southeast of the fire and adapt tactics to prioritize firefighter safety.

Today, efforts continue to directly engage the fire on Shackleford Ridge, moving southwest towards Campbell and Cliff Lakes. Structure defense remains the number one priority, with engine crews deployed strategically to safeguard nearby communities.

Highway 3 is temporarily closed from Etna to Fort Jones due to fire activity. Motorists in the Shelly Fire area are urged to exercise caution due to the ongoing presence of heavy equipment and fire personnel on or near the roadways.

WEATHER:

Sunday will be another hot and dry day with poor overnight minimum relative humidity recoveries. There is a RED FLAG WARNING in effect until 11:00 PM today. Enhanced terrain-driven up-canyon winds will continue, with westerly down-canyon winds in the late afternoon and evening. Some isolated dry thunderstorms are possible throughout the day, with a Fire Weather Watch in effect through Monday at 9:00 PM. Strong outflow winds are possible, near any thunderstorms, with gusts ranging from 35-45 mph. 

EVACUATIONS:

Multiple Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect. For current updates on evacuations, visit www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountySheriff and www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountyOES

Additional evacuation information and a map can be found on the Genasys site at: https://protect.genasys.com/search?z=14&latlon=41.550694%2C-122.905589

Shelter Locations: 

• Kahtishraam Wellness Center, 1403 Kahtishraam, Yreka, CA 96097
• Showers and cots are available.
• West Webb St. and Hoag St. in Montague
• RV Dry Camping/Parking
• Please note, at this time, there are no extra services (sewage/water/power hookups). This is currently set up for DRY camping.

Animal Shelters:

Animal shelters are available at the following locations(s) for those who have pets and animals that been displaced due to the Shelly Fire:

• Dog Evacuation Shelter
• Rescue Ranch, 2216 East Oberlin Road, Yreka CA 96097
• Contact: John Golay 541-698-7526
• Livestock Animal Evacuation Shelter (Horses, pigs, sheep, goats, birds):
• Siskiyou Golden Fair, 1712 Fairlane Road, Yreka, CA 96097
• Contact: Tom Taylor 530-340-1038
• Cat Evacuation Shelter
• Siskiyou Golden Fair – Armory Building, 1712 Fairlane Road, Yreka, CA 96097
• Contact: Becca 530-340-0656

CLOSURES: 

An official closure area around the Shelly Fire went into effect on July 4th. Hikers are not permitted in the area and will be asked to leave the area. For details and a map of the closure are, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1187463.pdf.

Pacific Crest Trail Information: https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/closures

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: 

Forest fire restrictions currently in effect across the Klamath National Forest. Campfires and stove fires are restricted to those developed areas listed in the forest order located at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices/?aid=88596. Smoking, welding, and operating an internal combustion engine also have restrictions in place.

July 14, 2024 at 7:47 AM

Fire behavior remained active overnight. There is a continued threat to structures with Evacuation Orders and Warnings in effect. The Communities of Etna, Fort Jones, Greenview, Quartz Valley and Kidder Creek are threatened. Critical infrastructure, Natural and cultural resources, private timberlands, and the Pacific Crest Trail remain threatened. Road, trail and area closures are in effect. A portion of the fire is burning in the Marble Mountain Wilderness. CICIMT 12 (Conklin) is in Unified Command with CAL FIRE Siskiyou Unit.

July 13, 2024 at 10:59 AM

Yesterday, as the inversion lifted, the fire intensified presenting challenges for containment lines. In the southern Kidder Creek area, additional resources were deployed to proactively manage the fire’s advance. Secondary lines were utilized as necessary when fire activity escalated too much to allow direct engagement in the Kidder Creek area. Additionally, aircraft conducted water drops to contain spot fires on the southwestern perimeter.

Today, resources continue to go direct on the Shackleford Ridge working southwest towards Campbell and Cliff Lakes. Ensuring structure defensive remains a top priority, engine crews are strategically positioned to safeguard communities at risk in the vicinity.

Drivers in the Shelly Fire area are reminded to drive with extra caution due to the ongoing presence of heavy equipment and fire personnel on or near the roadways. 

WEATHER: 

Saturday will be another hot and dry day with poor overnight minimum relative humidity recoveries. Enhanced terrain-driven up-canyon winds will continue, with westerly down-canyon winds in the late afternoon and evening. Multiple rounds of isolated dry thunderstorms are possible from Saturday night through Sunday, with a Fire Weather Watch in effect.

July 12, 2024 at 11:13 AM

Last night, helicopters were utilized to support engines and hand crews in strengthening containment lines. Firefighting personnel continue their round-the-clock efforts to enhance containment lines and structure defense in local communities.

Yesterday firefighters successfully went direct on the Shelly Fire’s northeastern front, pushing from east to west between Mill Creek and Kidder Creek. Crews went direct in the Patterson Creek drainage area and west along Patterson Road, utilizing water and retardant drops from both fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters. In the southern and western fronts, the fire made some small runs near Shelly Lake along the Pacific Crest Trail, prompting a swift aerial response, consistent with the full-suppression strategy.

Away from the fire’s immediate perimeter, crews persistently work to fortify secondary lines from Kidder Creek to Whisky Butte on the eastern front, and from Scott Bar Road to Sawyers Bar Road. Structure protection plans are in place with engines strategically placed to protect the communities.  

Evacuation orders or warnings remain in place for 4,200 people in the area, with over 3,800 residential and 300 commercial structures threatened.

WEATHER:

It will be slightly warmer today with breezy southwest winds in the afternoon. Minimum relative humidity will be in the lower teens with overnight recoveries around 25% along slopes and ridges and around 40% in valleys. Terrain-driven up-slope and up-canyon winds will continue, with northwest down-canyon winds of 14-18 mph gusting to 25 mph late afternoon into evening. Saturday and Sunday will bring potential isolated dry thunderstorm activity in the fire vicinity.

EVACUATIONS:

Multiple Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect. For current updates on evacuations, visit www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountySheriff and www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountyOES

Additional evacuation information and a map can be found on the Genasys site at: https://protect.genasys.com/search?z=14&latlon=41.550694%2C-122.905589

Shelter Locations: 

• Kahtishraam Wellness Center, 1403 Kahtishraam, Yreka, CA 96097
• Showers and cots are available.
• West Webb St. and Hoag St. in Montague
• RV Dry Camping/Parking
• Please note, at this time, there are no extra services (sewage/water/power hookups). This is currently set up for DRY camping.

Animal Shelters:

Animal shelters are available at the following locations(s) for those who have pets and animals that been displaced due to the Shelly Fire:

• Dog Evacuation Shelter
• Rescue Ranch, 2216 East Oberlin Road, Yreka CA 96097
• Contact: John Golay 541-698-7526
• Livestock Animal Evacuation Shelter (Horses, pigs, sheep, goats, birds):
• Siskiyou Golden Fair, 1712 Fairlane Road, Yreka, CA 96097
• Contact: Tom Taylor 530-340-1038
• Cat Evacuation Shelter
• Siskiyou Golden Fair – Armory Building, 1712 Fairlane Road, Yreka, CA 96097
• Contact: Becca 530-340-0656

CLOSURES: 

An official closure area around the Shelly Fire went into effect on July 4th. Hikers are not permitted in the area and will be asked to leave the area. For details and a map of the closure are, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1187463.pdf.

Pacific Crest Trail Information: https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/closures

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: 

Forest fire restrictions currently in effect across the Klamath National Forest. Campfires and stove fires are restricted to those developed areas listed in the forest order located at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices/?aid=88596. Smoking, welding, and operating an internal combustion engine also have restrictions in place.

July 12, 2024 at 7:55 AM

A Community Meeting is scheduled for Friday July 12,2024 at 7pm. Location is the Etna High School Cafeteria 400 Howell Ave. Etna, CA 96027.This meeting with be livestreamed on both the Klamath NF and CAL Fire Siskiyou Unit Facebook pages.

The Communities of Etna, Fort Jones, Greenview, Quartz Valley and Kidder Creek are threatened. Critical infrastructure, Natural and cultural resources, private timberland, and the Pacific Crest Trail remain threatened. Road, trail and area closures are in effect. A portion of the fire is burning in the Marble Mountain Wilderness. CICIMT 12 (Conklin) is in Unified Command with CAL FIRE Siskiyou Unit.

July 11, 2024 at 11:19 AM

Last night, specialty equipped helicopters were utilized to support engines and hand crews in strengthening containment lines. Overnight fire activity was in the Patterson creek area and held as the fire laid down. Firefighting personnel continue their round-the-clock efforts to enhance structure defense in local communities.

Yesterday, the fire’s most active front was along the eastern edge near Patterson Creek. Crews worked tirelessly to fortify lines from Patterson Ridge to Whiskey Butte, aiming to halt the fire’s eastward progression. Aerial resources were consistently deployed to reinforce these efforts. On the northern front, crews concentrated on reinforcing lines in the Shackleford drainage area and actively engaged in firefighting operations.

Substantial resources are dedicated to structure defense, with additional reinforcements arriving to protect surrounding communities. Concurrently, crews are focused on establishing and strengthening contingency lines from Scott Bar Road in the north to Sawyers Bar Road in the south.

Minimal growth has been observed in the southern and western sections of the fire. Efforts on the southern front are centered on completing hand and dozer lines from Sawyers Bar Road to the Pacific Crest Trail and Snoozer Ridge.

Evacuation orders or warnings are in place for 4,200 people in the area, with over 3,800 residential and 300 commercial structures threatened.

WEATHER:

Hot, dry, and unstable conditions are expected to persist through the rest of the week, with continued low minimum relative humidity and overnight recoveries in the 40-45% range along the ridges. Terrain-driven up-canyon winds will continue each afternoon, with westerly down-canyon winds in the 15-20 mph range pushing through channeled terrain gaps in the late afternoons and evenings. There is a slight chance of thunderstorms Friday afternoon and evening, with isolated dry thunderstorms becoming more likely on Saturday and potentially into Sunday.

EVACUATIONS:

Multiple Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect. For current updates on evacuations, visit www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountySheriff and www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountyOES

Additional evacuation information and a map can be found on the Genasys site at: https://protect.genasys.com/search?z=14&latlon=41.550694%2C-122.905589

SHELTERS:

Kahtishraam Wellness Center – Yreka

1403 Kahtishraam, Yreka, CA 96097

Showers and cots are available.

RV Dry Camping/Parking

West Webb St. and Hoag St. in Montague

Please note, at this time, there are no extra services (sewage/water/power hookups). This is currently set up for DRY camping.

Animal shelters

Animal shelters are available at the following locations(s) for those who have pets and animals that been displaced due to the Shelly Fire:

Dog Evacuation Shelter: 

Rescue Ranch Yreka

2216 East Oberlin Road, Yreka CA 96097

Contact: John Golay 541-698-7526

Livestock Animal Evacuation Shelter (Horses, pigs, sheep, goats, birds): 

Siskiyou Golden Fair

1712 Fairlane Road, Yreka, CA 96097 

Contact: Tom Taylor 530-340-1038 

Cat Evacuation Shelter: 

Siskiyou Golden Fair – Armory Building

1712 Fairlane Road, Yreka, CA 96097

Contact: Becca 530-340-0656

CLOSURES: 

An official closure area around the Shelly Fire went into effect on July 4th. Hikers are not permitted in the area and will be asked to leave the area. For details and a map of the closure are, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1187463.pdf.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS: 

Forest fire restrictions also went into effect on July 4th. Campfires and stove fires are restricted to those developed areas listed in the forest order located at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/klamath/alerts-notices/?aid=88596. Smoking, welding, and operating an internal combustion engine also has restrictions in place.

Pacific Crest Trail Information: https://www.pcta.org/discover-the-trail/closures 

July 11, 2024 at 8:22 AM

Active fire behavior with torching, and short range spotting observed. Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect. The Communities of Etna, Fort Jones and Kidder Creek are threatened. Natural and cultural resources, private timberland, and the Pacific Crest Trail remain threatened. Road, trail and area closures are in effect. A portion of the fire is burning in the Marble Mountain Wilderness. CICIMT 12 (Conklin) is in Unified Command with CAL FIRE Siskiyou Unit.

July 9, 2024 at 10:04 AM

Yesterday, the Shelly Fire continued to rapidly expand in extremely hot and dry conditions. The most significant growth was observed along the Kidder Creek drainage area, moving north and east. Yesterday, extending into the evening, crews effectively constructed a dozer line stretching from Shackelford to the Quartz Valley area. A smoke inversion from sunrise to early afternoon moderated the fire activity on the east side. Minimal growth was reported on the south side of the fire. Today, both air and ground resources will be prioritizing the containment lines on the north and east sides of the fire. Concurrently, they will intensify efforts to implement structure defense plans, focusing particularly around Etna, Fort Jones, Greenview, Kidder Creek, and Quartz Valley areas. Crews have been tirelessly working around the clock, utilizing both aerial and ground resources to contain the fire. Additional personnel and equipment have been deployed to enhance efforts aimed at safeguarding at-risk communities. As of now, evacuation orders or warnings have been issued for over 1,200 residential and commercial properties, affecting nearly 3,000 people in the area.

WEATHER:

Hot, dry, and unstable conditions persist, with an excessive heat warning in effect through Wednesday evening. Temperatures will cool slightly through the week but remain well above normal with minimum relative humidity in the mid to upper teens and overnight recoveries slowly increasing to 30-40%. Enhanced terrain-driven up-canyon winds will continue each afternoon, with westerly down-canyon late afternoon to evening winds strengthening substantially Wednesday and continuing through the end of the week.

EVACUATIONS:

Multiple evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect. For current updates on evacuations, visit www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountySheriff and www.facebook.com/SiskiyouCountyOES Additional evacuation information including a map can be found on the Genasys site at https://protect.genasys.com/search?z=14&latlon=41.550694%2C-122.905589

Evacuation Center: Kahtishraam Wellness Center

1403 Kahtishraam, Yreka, CA 96097

Tel: 530-340-3539

Showers and cots are available.

RV Dry Camping/Parking

West Webb St. and Hoag St. in Montague

Please note, at this time there are no extra services (sewage/water/power hookups). This is currently set up for DRY camping.

Animal shelters

Animal shelters are available at the following locations for those who have pets and animals that have been displaced due to the Shelly Fire:

Dog Evacuation Shelter:

Rescue Ranch Yreka

2216 East Oberlin Road, Yreka CA 96097 Contact: John Golay 541-698-7526

Livestock Animal Evacuation Shelter (horses, pigs, sheep, goats, birds):

Siskiyou Golden Fair

1712 Fairlane Road, Yreka, CA 96097 Contact: Tom Taylor 530-340-1038

Cat Evacuation Shelter:

Siskiyou Golden Fair – Armory Building 1712 Fairlane Road, Yreka, CA 96097

Contact: Becca 530-340-0656

CLOSURES:

An official closure area around the Shelly Fire went into effect on July 4. Hikers are not permitted in the area and will be asked to leave the area. For details and a map of the closure area, please

visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1187463.pdf.

July 8, 2024 at 7:01 PM

Active fire behavior with backing and flanking observed. Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect. The Communities of Etna, Fort Jones and Kidder Creek are threatened. Natural and cultural resources, private timber land, and the Pacific Crest Trail remain threatened. Road, trail and area closures are in effect.  A portion of the fire is burning in the Marble Mountain Wilderness.  CICIMT 12 (Conklin) is in Unified Command with CAL FIRE Siskiyou Unit.

July 8, 2024 at 10:37 AM

Yesterday, under Red Flag Conditions, the Shelly Fire spotted over Kidder Creek and rapidly grew to approximately 1200 acres by 4:00 p.m. In response, additional resources including engines, hand crews, fixed-wing aircraft, and helicopters were deployed with the primary goal of safeguarding communities. Helicopters were utilized overnight, and the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office issued additional evacuation warnings and orders. Today, the priority remains protecting the communities at risk. Air and ground resource will work on direct line control on the north side of the fire, while on the south side, resources will continue constructing handlines and working as close to the fire’s edge as safety allows. Community meeting will be held tonight at 7:00 pm, location to be determined, please watch the social media sites and Incident websites for further details.

WEATHER: An excessive Heat Warning through Tuesday with very unstable afternoon conditions continue. Today’s maximum temperature is forecast to be in the lower 100s in the valleys, minimum relative humidity 7-9%, and in the Kidder Creek Drainage up-canyon winds will increase to 7-9 mph late morning through the afternoon then shift to downcanyon 10-15 mph between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

July 8, 2024 at 7:05 AM

Moderate fire behavior with short-range spotting, backing and torching was observed overnight. Evacuation Orders and Warnings remain in effect.

July 7, 2024 at 8:04 PM

Moderate fire behavior with short-range spotting, flanking and backing observed. Evacuation Orders and Warnings issued. Threats include multiple Scott Valley communities, private timberland and the Pacific Crest Trail. Area and trail closures are in effect. There is a Red Flag Warning in effect for gusty winds and low RH for the fire area through 8 pm tonight. The fire is located within The Marble Mountain Wilderness Area. CICIMT 12 (Conklin) is in Unified Command with CAL FIRE Siskiyou Unit.

The #ShellyFire has now spread to 1,193 acres with 0% containment. There are currently 925 personnel working to suppress this fire.

Due to a red flag warning, the Shelly Fire is exhibiting significant fire activity.

Evacuation warnings have been upgraded to orders, and additional warnings have been issued. For more details, please visit the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office and the Siskiyou County Office of Emergency Management.

July 6, 2024 at 7:43 PM

Threats include multiple Scott Valley communities, private timberland and the Pacific Crest Trail. Area and trail closures are in effect. There is a Red Flag Warning in effect for gusty winds and low RH for today an. The fire is located within The Marble Mountain Wilderness Area. CICIMT 12 (Conklin) is in command.

July 6, 2024 at 7:34 AM

A community meeting is scheduled for tonight at 7:00 PM at the Quartz Valley Indian Reservation Gym, located at 9040 Sniktaw Lane, Fort Jones, CA.

Threats include multiple Scott Valley communities, private timberland and the Pacific Crest Trail. Area and trail closures are in effect. There is a Red Flag Warning and Fire Weather Watch issued for gusty winds and low RH for today and Sunday. The fire is located within The Marble Mountain Wilderness Area. CICIMT 12 (Conklin) is in command.

July 5, 2024 at 2:58 PM

Yesterday, crews were deployed to two helispots west of the fire, near Shelly Lake, and another crew further east. Their primary objectives were to scout the area for opportunities to establish a ridgetop holding line and work closely along the fire’s perimeter to contain it within its current boundaries. Plans are also underway to set up spike camps and provide logistical support using mule trains.

Today, crews will focus on constructing handlines and clearing brush along roadways. Additionally, crews alongside a dozer will open Babs Fork Road and clear brush in preparation for potential fire movement eastward, driven by changing wind conditions.

California Interagency Incident Management Team 12, led by Incident Commander Matt Conklin, will take command of the Shelly Fire at 6:00 PM today.

Weather:   

Today’s weather is forecast to be hot and dry with a maximum temperature of 85-90 degrees, minimum relative humidity of 11%, with winds northeast around 5 mph.

Closures: 

An official closure area around the Shelly Fire went into effect last night. Hikers are not permitted in the area and will be asked to leave. For details and a map of the closure are, please visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd1187463.pdf.

July 4, 2024 at 7:47 PM

Fire continues to burn active with spotting observed. Threats include multiple Scott Valley Communities, private timberland and the Pacific Crest Trail. Area and trail closures are in effect. There is a Fire Weather Watch issued for gusty winds and low RH beginning 7-6 @ 1400hrs. The fire is located within The Marble Mountain Wilderness Area. CICIMT 12 is assigned with a tentative transition to command 7-5 @ 1800.

July 4, 2024 at 12:18 PM

Reduced fire behavior due to inversion in the area. The fire is burning in the 2017 Wallow Fire footprint resulting in a heavy snag presence which poses a threat to firefighter safety. Area and trail closures are in effect. Portions of the Pacific Crest Trail are closed. CICIMT 12 has been assigned and will in-brief today at 1600.

July 4, 2024 at 6:28 AM

The Shelly Fire broke out on July 3 in the afternoon. Reports from air resources estimate the fire to be 50-100 acres. The fire is burning in the footprint of a 2017 fire in the Marble Mountain Wilderness near Shelly Lake and the Pacific Crest Trail. Hikers on the PCT must avoid the area between Etna Summit and Shackelford Trailhead.

Klamath National Forest immediately dispatched an aggressive response to the fire, ordering numerous air resources and sending a large ground response.

As of the evening of July 3rd the Shelly Fire has grown to an estimated 250 acres, and the fire is laying down for the evening. Smoke will likely settle into low areas overnight.

Smokejumpers are on scene working to secure the Pacific Crest Trail. The Jumpers and a CAL FIRE Siskiyou Unit’s Deadwood fire crew are on site and will be monitoring the fire throughout the night. More resources continue to arrive. Please be mindful of the influx of emergency vehicles arriving in the Scott Valley area and yield to fire crews traveling to and from the fire.

The hot and dry weather will continue throughout the weekend. We strongly ask forest visitors to exercise extreme caution with campfires, to never leave the campfire unattended, and to ensure the fire is out cold using the drown, stir, feel method.

“Fire officials believe the Shelly Fire will be a long-duration fire,” states Chris Christofferson, Acting Forest Supervisor, “and we have ordered up a complex incident management team due to the fire’s location and the terrain it is burning in.”