South Fork Complex Fire

South Fork Complex, Shasta-Trinity NF, USFS. Fifteen miles west of Hayfork, CA. Timber and brush. Minimal fire behavior. Area, road and trail closures in effect. Precipitation occurred over the fire area yesterday.

This page will no longer be updated unless significant activity occurs. 

The South Fork Complex originally consisted of 10 fires burning in both the Shasta-Trinity and Six Rivers National Forests that were all lightning caused on August 17, 2023.

The Complex now consists of four main fires due to seven of the fires (3-2, 3-3, 3-4, 3-5, 3-6, 3-7, and 3-8) burning together and being named the Pilot Fire. The remaining three fires of the Complex are the 3-9 Fire, Sulfur Fire, and the Pellitreau Fire.

September 27, 2023 at 8:13 AM

3-9 Fire – Resource Advisors (READs) are working with crews who are continuing repair activities when windows of opportunity occur. Engines are monitoring the interior smoke and heat. Heavy equipment and crews are fully engaged with chipping operations along Route 1. The public can expect to see large dump trucks transporting the chips along Route 1 and Highway 36.  

The Pilot Fire is 100% contained. Crews continue to patrol the fire perimeter and engaged in suppression repair when windows of opportunity occur.  

The Pellitreau Fire and the Sulfur Fire are 100% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol the fires periodically to ensure fire remains within containment lines. 

Weather: Mostly cloudy with a 40% chance of light rain in the morning. Mostly sunny in the afternoon. Winds from the southwest 4 to 8 mph in the morning, shifting to west northwest 5 to 10 mph gusting to 18 mph on ridges in the afternoon. Afternoon highs in the mid-50s to mid-60s, with afternoon humidity dropping to around 50 to 60%. 

September 25, 2023 at 8:45 AM

3-9 Fire – Crews are wrapping up repair activities.  Operations to fall snags and hazardous trees continue. Engines are monitoring the interior smoke and heat. United States Forest Service Resource Advisors (READs) are monitoring these activities, and addressing any potential concerns to tribal, cultural, and natural resources. Heavy equipment and crews are engaged with chipping operations along Route 1. The public can expect to see large dump trucks transporting the chips along Route 1 and Highway 36.  

The Pilot Fire is 100% contained. Crews continue to patrol the fire perimeter while actively engaged in suppression repair.  

The Pellitreau Fire and the Sulfur Fire are 100% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol the fires periodically to ensure fire remains within containment lines. 

Weather: Moderate to heavy rain and windy Monday, with isolated thunderstorms possible in the afternoon. Winds from the south gusting around to 25 to 35 mph, locally up to 40 mph on highest ridges.  Afternoon highs in the 50s to around 60, with afternoon humidity only dropping to around 60 to 70%.  Storm total rainfall around 1 to 1½ inches. 

September 22, 2023 at 10:52 AM

3-9 Fire: 2,840 acres with 85% containment 

Pellitreau Fire: 3 acres with 100% containment  

Pilot Fire: 1,055 acres with 100% containment 

Sulphur Fire: 31 acres with 100% containment  

3-9 Fire – Crews are actively engaged in repair activities falling snags and trees to reduce fuel loads by removing hazardous trees. Engines are monitoring the interior smoke and heat. Heavy equipment operators continue repairing roads and installing water bars while the United States Forest Service Resource Advisors (READs) follow behind addressing any potential concerns with tribal, cultural, and natural resources in the area. Excavators continue preparation work for the chipping operation.  

Weather: Dry and sunny weather is expected Friday. Afternoon highs remain in the lower 60s to lower 70s, with humidity levels trending a little higher, 25-35%. Winds will be light downslope in the morning, becoming west northwest 5 to 10 miles per hour (mph) gusting to 17 mph in the afternoon. 

September 19, 2023 at 9:23 AM

3-9 Fire: 2,840 acres with 85% containment                

Pellitreau Fire: 3 acres with 100% containment

Pilot Fire: 1,055 acres with 100% containment           

Sulphur Fire: 31 acres with 100% containment

3-9 Fire – Engines are monitoring the interior heat and patrolling containment lines. Crews are installing water bars along roadways determined by the United States Forest Service Resource Advisors (READs). Crews are also working closely with the READS to address concerns with tribal, cultural, and natural resources in the area.

The Pilot Fire is 100% contained. Crews will continue to patrol the fire perimeter while actively engaged in suppression repair.

The Pellitreau Fire and the Sulfur Fire are 100% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol the fires periodically to ensure fire remains within containment lines.

Weather: Dry weather is expected on Tuesday. Winds will be light southeasterly in the morning, becoming west northwest in the afternoon. Wind gusts are expected to be 10 to 15 miles per hour (mph) during the afternoon. A cooling trend continues, with afternoon highs in the upper 70s to around 80 with afternoon humidity dropping to around 35%.

Forest Closure: Forest Closure orders for the South Fork Complex Fire continue to be in effect and are posted on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and the Six Rivers National Forest websites. Please avoid closed areas.

September 17, 2023 at 9:11 AM

3-9 Fire: 2,840 acres with 85% containment                

Pellitreau Fire: 3 acres with 100% containment

Pilot Fire: 1,055 acres with 100% containment           

Sulphur Fire: 31 acres with 100% containment

The low-pressure brought isolated showers and thunderstorms yesterday afternoon and evening. Isolated areas of heat show increased signs of fire activity within the 3-9 and Pilot Fire due to the low-pressure systems, but the fires remain well within the containment lines.

3-9 Fire – Crews and heavy equipment continue suppression repair. Engines are patrolling the fire perimeter while managing the interior heat. Crews are working closely with Resource Advisors from the United States Forest Service to address concerns with tribal, cultural, and natural resources in the area.

The Pilot Fire is 100% contained. Crews will continue to patrol the fire perimeter while actively engaged in suppression repair.

The Pellitreau Fire and the Sulfur Fire are 100% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol the fires periodically to ensure fire remains within containment lines.

Weather: The low-pressure system brings a 15% chance of isolated showers and thunderstorms Sunday afternoon and evening. Gusty, erratic winds and brief periods of heavy rain are to be expected. There is also a potential for new starts from lightning. Winds will be light southeasterly in the morning, becoming west northwest in the afternoon. Wind gusts are expected to be 10 to 15 miles per hour (mph) during the afternoon, except locally with thunderstorms. A cooling trend continues, with afternoon highs in the low 80s with afternoon humidity dropping to around 30%.

September 15, 2023 at 9:30 AM

3-9 Fire: 2,840 acres with 85% containment                

Pellitreau Fire: 3 acres with 100% containment  

Pilot Fire: 1,055 acres with 100% containment           

Sulphur Fire: 31 acres with 100% containment  

3-9 Fire – Crews continue mop-up efforts to mitigate much significant fire behavior potential or threat. Suppression repair continues along the fire perimeter. Crews are working closely with Resource Advisors from the United States Forest Service to address concerns with tribal, cultural, and natural resources in the area. There are isolated areas of interior heat as indicated by the September 13 infrared (IR) flight.   

The Pilot Fire is 100% contained. Crews will continue to patrol the fire perimeter while actively engaged in suppression repair. There are isolated areas of interior heat as indicated by the September 13th infrared (IR) flight.   

The Pellitreau Fire and the Sulfur Fire are 100% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol the fires periodically to ensure fire remains within containment lines. 

Weather: The high-pressure pattern continues into Friday with more warm, dry conditions. Winds on the ridges will be more westerly, with daytime heating adding to terrain driven winds again. Wind speeds are expected to be slightly stronger, reaching 13 to 16 miles per hour (mph) during the afternoon. Temperatures remain warm on Friday with highs again in the mid-80s with afternoon humidity dropping into the mid to upper teens.  

September 13, 2023 at 8:47 AM

3-9 Fire: 2,840 acres with 85% containment
Pellitreau Fire: 3 acres with 100% containment
Pilot Fire: 1,055 acres with 100% containment
Sulphur Fire: 31 acres with 100% containment

Tomorrow at 7:00 a.m., Nevada Incident Management Team 2 will assume command of the South Fork Complex.

3-9 Fire – Crews continue to work along the 1 Road removing snag hazards and reinforcing the fire line.  The fire continues to show a reduction in heat sources. Suppression repair will continue along the fire perimeter.  Crews are working closely with Resource Advisors from the United States Forest Service to address concerns with tribal, cultural, and natural resources in the area. As suppression repair continues the values at risk will be assessed to ensure there are minimal impacts to the area. Aircraft will be supporting crews on the fire line today removing hose and equipment.

The Pilot Fire is 100% contained. Crews will continue to patrol the fire perimeter while actively engaged in suppression repair.

The Pellitreau Fire and the Sulfur Fire are 100% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol the fires periodically to ensure fire remains within containment lines.

Weather:  The warming and drying trend will set back in over the region due to the high off the west coast shifting back to the west. Temperatures will be in the mid to upper 80s. Relative humidity will decrease today with some areas on the fire seeing humidity in the low 20% range.  Some open locations around the fire could potentially see humidity in the upper teens.

September 12, 2023 at 9:16 AM

3-9 Fire: 2,840 acres with 83% containment
Pellitreau Fire: 3 acres with 100% containment
Pilot Fire: 1,055 acres with 100% containment
Sulphur Fire: 31 acres with 100% containment

3-9 Fire – The fire continues to show a reduction in heat sources. Mop-up continues with the combination of heavy equipment, crews, and engines. Suppression repair will continue along the fire perimeter. Crews are working closely with Resource Advisors from the United States Forest Service to address concerns with tribal, cultural, and natural resources in the area. As suppression repair continues the values at risk will be assessed to ensure there are minimal impacts to the area. Aircraft will continue to support crews on the fire line with water dropping missions and the removal of hose and equipment.

The Pilot Fire is 100% contained. Crews will continue to patrol the fire perimeter while actively engaged in suppression repair.

The Pellitreau Fire and the Sulfur Fire are 100% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol the fires periodically to ensure fire remains within containment lines.

Weather: The inversion that has set in this morning will allow for cooler temperatures and slightly higher relative humidity over the fires. Winds are expected between 16-20 mph in the afternoon along the ridge tops. Temperatures will be in the upper 70s on Tuesday, increasing over the next couple of days. Minimum relative humidities are expected to be closer to the 30% range.

September 11, 2023 at 9:24 AM

3-9 Fire: 2,840 acres with 80% containment

Pellitreau Fire: 3 acres with 100% containment

Pilot Fire: 1,055 acres with 100% containment

Sulphur Fire: 31 acres with 100% containment

3-9 Fire – The fire continues to show a reduction in heat sources.  Mop-up continues as more black lines are established on the fire perimeter. Aircraft will continue to support crews on the fire line with water dropping missions and the removal of hose and equipment. Crews will continue to complete the remaining portions of the open line and focus on strengthening these lines by mopping up well into the burn area to ensure there is no threat of roll out or escape.  Crews will also be looking for opportunities to begin suppression repair along the perimeter.

The Pilot Fire is 100% contained. Crews will continue to patrol the fire perimeter to ensure that the fire remains within the containment lines. Suppression repair will continue along the fire perimeter.

The Pellitreau Fire and the Sulfur Fire are 100% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol the fires periodically to ensure fire remains within containment lines.

Weather: A passing cold front to the north will sag south far enough to where some intrusion of winds from the coast will impact the ridge tops over the fire. Terrain driven winds will continue through Sunday with speeds of 18-22 mph. Temperatures will be in the upper 70s through the next couple of days. Minimum relative humidities are expected to be in the middle 20% range. The passing disturbance to the north will allow for slightly more cloud cover as well.

Forest Closure: Forest Closure orders for the South Fork Complex Fire continue to be in effect and are posted on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest and the Six Rivers National Forest websites. Please avoid closed areas.

September 10, 2023 at 9:54 AM

3-9 Fire: 2,840 acres with 70% containment

Pellitreau Fire: 3 acres with 100% containment

Pilot Fire: 1,055 acres with 100% containment

Sulphur Fire: 31 acres with 100% containment

3,929 acres and 80% overall containment for the South Fork Complex

A total of 601 personnel, crews, air support, engines, dozers, and water tenders support the incident.

3-9 Fire – Firefighters continue to make good progress on all sides of the fire.  There are still some isolated hot spots throughout the interior of the fire perimeter. Aircraft will continue to support fire suppression efforts today with water dropping missions. Along the eastern flank of the fire, crews continued to make good progress west of the Berry-Summit-Mad River Road. Firefighters continued to strengthen the containment lines along the northern and western portions of the fire yesterday. Crews will continue to complete the remaining portions of open line and focus on strengthening these lines by mopping up well into the burn area to ensure there is no threat of roll out or escape.  Crews will also be looking for opportunities to begin suppression repair along the perimeter.

The Pilot Fire is 100% contained. Crews will continue to patrol the fire perimeter to ensure that the fire remains within the containment lines. Suppression repair will continue along the fire perimeter.

The Pellitreau Fire and the Sulfur Fire are 100% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol the fires periodically to ensure fire remains within containment lines.

Weather:  A passing cold front to the north will sag south far enough to where some intrusion of winds from the coast will impact the ridge tops over the fire. Terrain driven winds will continue through Sunday with speeds of 15-18 mph. Temperatures will be in the upper 70s through the next couple of days. Minimum relative humidities are expected to be in the high 20% range.

September 8, 2023 at 10:44 AM

3-9 Fire:               2,840 acres with 65% containment                

Pellitreau Fire:    3 acres with 100% containment 

Pilot Fire:            1,055 acres with 100% containment              

Sulphur Fire:      31 acres with 100% containment 

3,929 acres and 75% overall containment for the South Fork Complex 

A total of 648 personnel, crews, air support, engines, dozers, and water tenders support the incident. 

3-9 Fire – Fire behavior primarily consists of smoldering with slight flare-up potential as temperaturesincrease and humidity decreases. Isolated hot spots continue throughout the interior of the fire perimeter. Weather was favorable yesterday allowing crews to make significant progress. Aircraft will continue tosupport fire suppression efforts today with water dropping missions. Crews will continue mopping up any hot spots with tools and water from hose lays along the lines. Along the eastern flank of the fire, crews continued to make good progress west of the Berry-Summit-Mad River Road and dozers were able to increase the amount of direct line along the fire’s perimeter. Firefighters continued to strengthen the containment lines along the northern portion of the fire yesterday. Crews will continue to work diligently to complete the remaining portions of open line and focus on strengthening these lines by mopping up well into the burn area to ensure there is no threat of roll out or escape. 

The Pilot Fire is 100% contained. Crews will continue to patrol the fire perimeter to ensure that the fire remains within the containment lines. Suppression repair will continue along the fire perimeter. 

The Pellitreau Fire and the Sulfur Fire are 100% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol the fires periodically to ensure fire remains within containment lines. 

Weather: A weak disturbance will cross the area to the north resulting in a bit of cloud cover for the areaon Friday. Temperatures will continue to increase slowly into the upper 70s. Minimum relative humidities are expected to be in the low to middle 30% range. 

September 7, 2023 at 9:04 AM

3-9 Fire:          2,836 acres with 65% containment               

Pellitreau Fire:    3 acres with 100% containment 

Pilot Fire:        1,055 acres with 100% containment             

Sulphur Fire:      31 acres with 100% containment 

3,929 acres and 75% overall containment for the South Fork Complex 

A total of 687 personnel, crews, air support, engines, dozers, and water tenders support the incident. 

3-9 Fire – Fire behavior and spread potential will continue to be mostly low today and fuels are moderately dry. Scattered hot spots continue throughout the fire area with more intense heat sources well interior of the fire perimeter. Weather was favorable yesterday allowing crews to make significant progress. Aircraft will continue to support fire suppression efforts today with water dropping missions. Crews will continue to improve the control lines, mopping up any hot spots with tools and water from hose lays along the lines. Yesterday, firefighters completed control line along the southern perimeter and started mopping up any hot spots along the fires edge. Along the eastern flank of the fire, crews continued to make good progress west of the Berry-Summit-Mad River Road and dozers were able to increase the amount of direct line along the fire’s perimeter. Firefighters increased the amount of containment line along the northern portion of the fire yesterday. As most of the 3-9 Fire now has either dozer or hand line surrounding it, crews will work diligently to complete the remaining portions of open line and focus on strengthening these lines by mopping up well into the burn area to ensure there is no threat of roll out or escape. 

The Pilot Fire is 100% contained. Crews will continue to patrol the fire perimeter to ensure that the fire remains within the containment lines. Suppression repair will begin along the perimeter of the fire. 

The Pellitreau Fire and the Sulfur Fire are 100% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol the fires periodically to ensure fire remains within containment lines.  

Weather: Clear skies, and drier temperatures will continue through the week. Maximum temperatures are expected to be 75-78 ºF and minimum relative humidities are expected to be 38-43%. Winds are predicted to be northwest at 6-10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph on ridgetops.  

September 6, 2023 at 8:15 AM

3-9 Fire – Fire behavior and spread potential will continue to be mostly low today and fuels are moderately dry. Scattered hot spots continue throughout the fire area with more intense heat sources well interior of the fire perimeter. Weather was favorable yesterday and aircraft were active supporting crews with water and retardant drops. Aircraft will continue to support fire suppression efforts today with water dropping missions. Retardant will no longer be needed and the mobile retardant base at the Hyampom Airport will be removed. In the area east of Torrey Corrals, crews completed hand line, tying it in with completed dozer line. They will continue to improve the control lines, mopping up any hot spots with tools and water from hose lays along the lines. Yesterday, firefighters completed control line along the southern perimeter and tied it in with completed dozer line west of the Berry-Summit-Mad River Road (Route 1). Along the eastern flank of the fire, crews continued to make good progress chipping and stacking hazard trees west of the Berry-Summit-Mad River Road and dozers were able to increase the amount of direct line along the fire’s perimeter. Firefighters increased the amount of containment line along the northern portion of the fire yesterda. As most of the 3-9 Fire now has either dozer or hand line surrounding it, crews will work diligently to complete the remaining portions of open line and focus on strengthening these lines by mopping up well into the burn area to ensure there is no threat of roll out or escape. 

The Pilot Fire is 100% contained. Crews are working on mopping up remaining areas with heat in dozer lines and berms. They will continue to patrol the fire perimeter to ensure that the fire remains within the containment lines.  

The Pellitreau Fire and the Sulfur Fire are 100% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol the fires periodically to ensure fire remains within containment lines.  

Weather: Patchy morning fog lifting by 10:00 a.m., then becoming sunny. Maximum temperatures are expected to be 69-74 ºF and minimum relative humidities are expected to be 38-43%. Winds are predicted to be northwest at 6-10 mph with gusts up to 18 mph on ridgetops and west-southwest at 6-10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph midslope.  

September 5, 2023 at 9:15 AM

Evacuation Update: As of 8:00 a.m. this morning, all evacuation warnings in Humboldt and Trinity counties have been lifted. 

3-9 Fire – Fire behavior and spread potential will continue to be mostly low today, with creeping and smoldering in heavy fuels and stump holes and occasional flaming. Crews will continue to be alert for increased fire behavior potential in the coming days as fuels dry. Firefighters took advantage of the fair weather yesterday to construct and improve control lines and go as direct as possible. In the area east of Torrey Corrals, crews were able to tie in hand line to completed dozer line. Terrain is steep and rugged in this area, but they will continue to take advantage of opportunities to go direct where it is safe to do so. Hotshot crews increased control line depth along the 03N06 road and removed snags posing a hazard to firefighter safety. They were able to tie in hand line along the southern perimeter to the creek north of Henry Ridge, and they will continue to evaluate ways of tying in hand line with completed dozer line west of the Berry-Summit-Mad River Road (Route 1). Along the eastern flank of the fire, crews continued to make progress chipping and stacking hazard trees in order make it possible for dozers and hand crews to get closer to the fire’s edge. They were also able to mop up and install hose in some areas. Along the northern portion of the fire, firefighters systematically looked for areas of remaining heat and increased depth of containment line to secure the fire’s edge. Helicopters were able to support fire suppression efforts with bucket drops yesterday with support continuing today as weather allows. 

The Pilot Fire is 100% contained. Crews continue to mop up remaining areas with heat along dozer lines and in stump holes in the interior. They will continue to patrol the fire perimeter to ensure that the fire remains within the containment lines.  

The Pellitreau Fire and the Sulfur Fire are 100% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol the fires periodically to ensure fire remains within containment lines.  

Weather: Morning fog is expected to lift by 11:00 a.m. and the rest of the day is expected to be sunny with maximum temperatures of 68-73 ºF and minimum relative humidities of 40-45%. Northwest winds are predicted to be 6-10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph.  

September 4, 2023 at 9:24 AM

3-9 Fire:          2,855 acres with 35% containment               

Pellitreau Fire:    3 acres with 100% containment 

Pilot Fire:        1,055 acres with 100% containment             

Sulphur Fire:      31 acres with 100% containment 

3,945 acres and 52% overall containment for the South Fork Complex 

A total of 760 personnel, crews, air support, engines, dozers, and water tenders support the incident. 

3-9 Fire – Fire behavior and spread potential will continue to be mostly low today, but as temperatures rise and fuels begin to dry out from recent rains, the opportunity for increased fire behavior will continue over the coming days. Dozers completed contingency line in the area east of Torrey Corrals and hand crews went direct where it was safe to do so. Today, hand crews will evaluate areas where rollout is a concern and begin installing chicken wire in those areas to prevent burning material from rolling down steep terrain and across containment lines. Hotshot crews were able to secure the 03N06 road and construct hand line along the southern perimeter in areas where the fire was creeping and smoldering. They will continue to construct hand line along the southern perimeter to tie in with control lines west of the Berry-Summit-Mad River Road (Route 1). Helicopters were able to assist ground crews with bucket support along the southwestern perimeter of the fire yesterday and will continue to assist with suppression efforts today as weather allows. Along the eastern flank, crews are making good progress cutting and removing hazard trees in order to make the area safe for firefighters to continue building containment lines. Along the northern portion of the fire, firefighters continue to patrol and mop up the fire perimeter to ensure there is no threat of fire spread.  

Pilot Fire is 100% contained. Crews identified and mopped up remaining areas with heat and smoldering material and will continue to patrol the fire perimeter to ensure that the fire remains within the containment lines.  

The Pellitreau Fire and the Sulfur Fire are 100% contained. Firefighters continue to patrol the fires periodically to ensure fire remains within containment lines.  

Weather: Partly cloudy today. Maximum temperatures are expected to be 62-67 ºF, and minimum relative humidities are expected to be 45-50%. Northwest winds are predicted to be 6-10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph.  

September 3, 2023 at 9:31 AM

3-9 Fire:          2,868 acres with 35% containment               

Pellitreau Fire:    3 acres with 100% containment 

Pilot Fire:        1,055 acres with 100% containment             

Sulphur Fire:      31 acres with 100% containment 

3,957 total acres and 52% overall containment for the South Fork Complex 

A total of 768 personnel, crews, air support, engines, dozers, and water tenders support the incident. 

3-9 Fire With the wet weather Friday and Saturday, firefighters were able to evaluate opportunities to go direct on the fire due to the reduced fire activity. Dozers and hand crews were able to make good progress installing control lines along the northeastern perimeter in an area east of the Berry-Summit-Mad River Road (Route 1). Along this eastern flank, firefighters and heavy machinery worked to mitigate hazard trees so that firefighters can access the fire’s edge safely. Firefighters constructed hand line along the southern perimeter where difficult terrain prevents the use of heavy equipment while evaluating opportunities to go direct in the area east of Torrey Corrals. Crews worked diligently along the western flank strengthening existing control lines and mopping up smoldering material to secure the lines and increase containment. With warmer weather in the forecast, the lighter and smaller fuels will start to dry out and be susceptible to increased fire activity. As the ground dries out from the moisture received over the past few days, crews and equipment will work to make access deeper into the fire areas and continue building control lines to increase containment. Helicopters and air assets plan to assist ground crews with suppression efforts today as weather allows. 

Pilot Fire is 100% contained. Crews have been monitoring the condition of the fire by walking the fire’s edge to ensure containment remains and there is no threat of rollout or escape. 

The Pellitreau Fire and the Sulfur Fire are 100% contained. These fires remain in a patrol status with firefighters checking periodically that fire remains within the containment lines. 

Weather: Morning fog then becoming partly cloudy with a 10% chance of scattered showers. A stray thunderstorm is possible in the afternoon. Maximum temperatures are expected to be 62-67 ºF, and minimum relative humidities are expected to be 50-55%. Northwest winds are predicted to be 6-10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph.  

September 2, 2023 at 8:59 AM

3-9 Fire: 2,869 acres with 35% containment
Pellitreau Fire: 3 acres with 100% containment
Pilot Fire: 1,055 acres with 100% containment
Sulphur Fire: 31 acres with 100% containment
52% overall containment for the South Fork Complex

3-9 Fire The majority of the South Fork Complex footprint, including the 3-9 Fire, received wetting rain yesterday. As a result, fuels have been moderately wet and fire behavior potential low. However, smoldering, heavy fuels persist, and fine fuels are expected to dry out with warmer, drier weather in coming days. Firefighters continue to improve control lines along the southern perimeter of the fire along Berry-Summit-Mad River Road (Route 1), Henry Ridge, and Pilot Creek. Crews continue to evaluate opportunities to go direct on the fire whenever it is safe to do. Along the northern and northeastern perimeter, crews continue to mop up and secure control lines. Firefighters will continue to find ways to take advantage of the cooler temperatures and precipitation to construct control lines directly on the fire’s edge.

Weather: Dense fog this morning will reduce visibility in the area. This fog is forecasted to mix out of the area by early afternoon. There is a 50% chance of wetting rain today with a chance of isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon. Maximum temperatures are expected to be 55-60 ºF, and minimum relative humidities are expected to be 60-70%. Southeast winds are predicted to be 6-10 mph with gusts up to 15 mph.

September 1, 2023 at 9:05 AM

3-9 Fire: 2,921 acres with 30% containment

Pilot Fire: 1,055 acres with 100% containment

Pellitreau Fire: 3 acres with 100% containment

Sulphur Fire: 31 acres with 100% containment

49% overall containment for the Complex

Weather: A Flash Flood Watch with debris flow potential is in effect from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Rain is expected today through Saturday with total accumulation up to 1.25 inches. Maximum temperatures are expected to be 55-60 ºF, and minimum relative humidities are expected to be 65-75%. North-northwest winds are predicted to be 6-9 mph with gusts up to 14 mph. Potentially strong thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds are expected starting at about 3:00 pm.

3-9 Fire No major movement occurred along the southern perimeter yesterday in the area of the slop over. Along the perimeter of the slop over, dozers, engines, and hand crews continue to go direct along the fire perimeter whenever it was safe to do so, and aircraft continue to assist firefighters by placing retardant. Contingency line continues to be improved along Henry Ridge west to Pilot Creek, along lower 03N06, and along the Berry Summit-Mad River Road. Hand crews went direct on the fire perimeter in section 22 north of the slop over to improve containment lines. The northern division has 100% hand line completed around the perimeter. Fire personnel continue to add additional security to control lines, and spot fires in the northeast portion of the fire continue to be mopped up and secured.

Pilot Fire Crews have successfully finished 100% containment line around the perimeter and continued to focus on mopping up and adding depth. They will continue to get additional security on all control lines and backhaul supplies and trash. Resources are starting to be released from the Pilot Fire to assist with the 3-9 Fire.

August 31, 2023 at 7:58 AM

3-9 Fire No major movement occurred along the southern perimeter yesterday in the area of the slop over, with the exception of a few spot fires that are contributing to a small amount of fire spread to the south. On the southeastern flank of the slop over, dozers, engines, and hand crews were able to go direct along the fire perimeter. Aircraft assisted crews by placing retardant along the south and southwestern flank of the slop over to prevent spread down to Pilot Creek and dozers opened up roads covered in fallen snags to increase access to the southwestern side of the slop over. Contingency line is being built along Henry Ridge west to Pilot Creek and firefighters will assess going north along Pilot Creek and going through Pilot Creek over to Pilot Ridge for additional contingency line. The northern division has 100% hand line completed around the perimeter. Fire personnel continue to add additional security to control lines, and spot fires in the northeast portion of the fire continue to be evaluated and secured with the assistance of aircraft.

Pilot Fire Crews have successfully finished 100% containment line around the perimeter and continued to focus on mopping up and adding depth. They will continue to get additional security on all control lines and backhaul supplies and trash. Resources are starting to be released from the Pilot Fire to assist with the 3-9 Fire.

The Pellitreau Fire and the Sulfur Fire are 100% contained. Firefighters will continue to monitor and patrol to ensure fire remains within the containment lines.

Weather: Maximum temperatures are expected to be 64-70 ºF, and minimum relative humidities are expected to be 35-42%. North-northwest winds are expected to be reduced compared to yesterday at 6-9 mph with gusts to 14 mph. In the evening, there is about a 20% chance of rain after 5:00 pm.

August 30, 2023 at 8:04 AM

3-9 Fire: 2,427 acres with 22% containment
Pilot Fire: 1,055 acres with 96% containment
Pellitreau Fire: 3 acres with 100% containment
Sulphur Fire: 31 acres with 100% containment
45% overall containment for the Complex

3-9 Fire The northern division (Division O), has 100% hand line completed around the perimeter. Fire personnel continue to mop up and increase depth of the containment line. Yesterday, in the southern division (Division A), a 400-acre slop over crossed over the dozer line and contingency line as the fire was in alignment with the wind and topography. Dozers will continue to open up roads south of the fire perimeter. Aircraft continue supporting firefighting efforts with water and retardant drops to slow fire progression and allow crews an opportunity to go direct along the fire perimeter. Along the northwestern perimeter, crews continue to mop up and secure control lines down to and paralleling Pilot Creek. On the eastern portion of the fire (Division W), they continue to monitor and mop up spot fires with the assistance of helicopter water drops.

Pilot Fire Crews have successfully finished 100% containment line around the perimeter and continued to focus on mopping up and adding depth. Fire personnel will continue to secure and mop up the perimeter and improve contingency lines.

August 29, 2023 at 8:08 AM

3-9 Fire: 1,863 acres with 22% containment
Pilot Fire: 1,055 acres with 86% containment
Pellitreau Fire: 3 acres with 100% containment
Sulphur Fire: 31 acres with 100% containment

3-9 Fire The northern division (Division O), has 100% hand line completed around the perimeter. Fire personnel continue to mop up and increase depth of the containment line. In the southern division (Division A), they improved the primary control lines along Berry Summit-Mad River Road, a dozer line, and Road 03N06 along the southern perimeter and continue to assess opportunities to go direct on the fire. Aircraft are supporting firefighting efforts with water and retardant drops in this area. Along the northwestern perimeter, crews continue to mop up and secure control lines down to and paralleling Pilot Creek. On the eastern portion of the fire (Division W), they continue to monitor and mop up spot fires with the assistance of helicopter water drops. A contingency line continues to be improved along road systems in the south near spot fires that started on Friday.

Pilot Fire Crews have successfully finished 100% containment line around the perimeter and continued to focus on mopping up and adding depth. Aircraft supported cool-down efforts of interior heat with water drops in anticipation of increased winds on Monday night. Fire personnel will continue to secure and mop up the perimeter and improve contingency lines.

Weather: An area of low pressure approaching the California-Oregon coast is expected to bring cooler and windy conditions that will extend through most of this week. Maximum temperatures are expected to be 60-65 ºF. Minimum relative humidities are expected to be 43-48%. North-Northwest winds are expected to be 8-15 mph throughout the day with gusts of 30 mph.

August 28, 2023 at 8:53 AM

3-9 Fire The northern portion of the 3-9 Fire has 100% hand line completed around the perimeter. Fire personnel will continue to focus on mopping up and securing the containment line. Along the southern perimeter, crews continue to improve the Berry Summit-Mad River Road, a dozer line, and Road 03N06 to increase and strengthen control lines and limit fire spread to the south and continue to assess opportunities to go direct on the fire. Helicopters continue to support firefighting efforts with water and retardant drops in this area. Firefighters continue to improve indirect lines down to and paralleling Pilot Creek. On the eastern portion of the fire, dozers and excavators continue to open up the road systems to access spot fires and allow firefighters opportunity to go direct and monitor and mop up these spot fires. A contingency line is being built along road systems in the south near spot fires that started on Friday. 

Pilot Fire Crews have successfully finished 100% containment line around the perimeter. They continued to focus on mopping up and adding depth. The contingency lines along the eastern flank have been completed to protect Grouse Creek, and chicken wire has been placed to prevent rollout across the Creek. Fire personnel will continue to place chicken wire, secure and mop up the perimeter, and improve contingency lines. 

The Pellitreau Fire and the Sulfur Fire are 100% contained. Crews will continue to mop up the areas and monitor and patrol to ensure fire remains within the containment lines. Most equipment has been pulled from these fires to assist with the Pilot and 3-9 Fires. 

Weather: Maximum temperatures are expected to be 70-75 ºF. Minimum relative humidities are expected to be around 35-40%. West-southwest winds in the morning are expected to become northwest in the evening. Winds are expected to be mild in the morning and increase throughout the day, with gusts 15 mph in the evening. On Tuesday morning, winds are expected to be sustained at 10-15 mph with gusts of 30 mph in the evening. 

Evacuation Warning: 

These remain in effect.  Please continue to check the Trinity County Wildfire and Evacuation site for up-to-date status and locations:  Trinity County Wildfire and Evacuation Map 

Forest Closure: There are new Forest Closure orders for the South Fork Complex Fire that have been posted on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website home page and on the Six Rivers National Forest (click on Forest Closures).  Please avoid the closed areas. 

August 27, 2023 at 8:59 AM

3-9 Fire The northern portion of the 3-9 Fire has 100% hand line completed around the perimeter.  

Crews will continue to focus on mopping up and securing the containment line. Along the southern perimeter, crews continue to improve the Berry Summit-Mad River Road, a dozer line, and Road 03N06 to increase and strengthen control lines and limit fire spread to the south into an area of dense snags. Helicopters will continue to support firefighting efforts with water and retardant drops along the southern perimeter. Firefighters continued to work along the northwestern perimeter and have completed hand line down to an indirect paralleling Pilot Creek. They will continue to improve containment lines along Pilot Creek and down to the original containment line that experienced slop-over last Sunday. On the southeast portion of the fire, dozers and excavators are opening road systems in closer proximity to the fire perimeter to encompass spot fires and allow crews opportunity to go direct along the fire perimeter. Firefighters have placed hand line and hose lay completely around spot fires that started on Friday. They will continue to monitor and mop up other spot fires in this area, which currently pose no threat. 

Pilot Fire Crews have successfully finished 100% containment line around the perimeter. They continued to focus on mopping up and adding depth. The contingency lines along the eastern flank have been completed to protect Grouse Creek, and chicken wire has been placed to prevent rollout of burned fuels to the east. Fire personnel will continue to secure and mop up the perimeter and improve the contingency lines. 

The Pellitreau Fire and the Sulfur Fire are 100% contained. Crews will continue to mop up the areas and monitor and patrol to ensure fire remains within the containment lines. Most equipment has been pulled from these fires to assist with the Pilot and 3-9 Fires. 

Weather: Maximum temperatures are expected to be in the mid- to upper 70s. Minimum relative humidities are expected to be around 24-30%. West-northwest winds are expected to be 4-8 mph with gusts around 14 mph. 

Evacuation Warning: 

These remain in effect. Please continue to check the Trinity County Wildfire and Evacuation site for up-to-date status and locations: Trinity County Wildfire and Evacuation Map 

Forest Closure: There are new Forest Closure orders for the South Fork Complex Fire that have been posted on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website home page and on the Six Rivers National Forest (click on Forest Closures). Please avoid the closed areas. 

August 26, 2023 at 11:20 AM

3-9 Fire   The northern division of the 3-9 Fire has 100% handline completed around the perimeter. Crews will continue to strengthen the containment line by mopping up and adding depth to prevent rollout of burned fuels in the interior of the fire perimeter. Along the southern perimeter crews are working along the Berry Summit- Mad River Road, a completed dozer line to the south and Road 03N06 increasing and strengthening control lines around the 30 acre slop-over Friday night. Smoke is visible from interior torching posing no threat to the fire perimeter. Helicopters are supporting the firefighting efforts with water and retardant drops. Crews are also working along the Dan East trail going direct on the fire when safe to do so. On the southeast portion of the fire, dozers and excavators are opening road systems in closer proximity to the fire perimeter to encompass the spot fires and allow crews opportunity to go direct along the fire perimeter. 

      Pilot Fire crews have successfully finished 100% containment line around the perimeter of the fire. Crews will focus on mopping up and adding depth. The contingency lines along the eastern flank have been completed to protect Grouse Creek. Operational plans for today continue to be secure and mop up the perimeter of the Pilot Fire and finish the contingency lines. 

      The Pellitreau fire is 100% contained and the Sulfur fire has 100% containment. Crews will continue to monitor and patrol to ensure fire remains within the containment lines. Most equipment has been pulled from these fires to assist the Pilot and 3-9 Fires. 

Weather: 

The temperature will be 70-75 degrees with RH minimum 32 to 36% with winds 5 to 8 mph gusting to 14 mph. 

Evacuation Warning: 

These remain in effect.  Please continue to check the Trinity County Wildfire and Evacuation site for up-to-date status and locations:  Trinity County Wildfire and Evacuation Map 

Forest Closure: There are new Forest Closure orders for the South Fork Complex Fire that have been posted on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website home page and on the Six Rivers National Forest (click on Forest Closures).  Please avoid the closed areas. 

August 25, 2023 at 8:22 AM

Current Situation:

3-9 Fire: 1,661 acres with 0% containment 595 personnel, crews, engines, dozers, water tenders 

Pilot Fire: 983 acres with 36% containment and air support 

Pellitreau Fire: 3 acres with 100% containment 

Sulphur Fire: 31 acres with 95% containment 

20% overall containment for the Complex 

3-9 Fire The northern division of the 3-9 has 100% hand line around it and crews have been mopping up. The southern division of the 3-9 has experienced slop-over. Firefighters will contain the slop-over at the southern flank of the fire by creating a containment line using the Berry Summit-Mad River Road, a completed dozer line to the south, and Road 03N06. Firefighters will evaluate the southwestern flank of the fire to determine whether access is available to go more direct on it. Hand crew, dozers, and engines will continue supporting the creation of a direct line along the northern and northwestern flank of the fire. On the eastern division a dozer line continues to be prepped along the southern portion to contain spot fires. A road system has been identified and dozer and graders are set to help encapsulate the spot fires to the south. Helicopters are assisting the operation utilizing retardant drops. A mobile retardant base has been established in Hyampom. 

Pilot Fire crews have successfully finished constructing control line along the northeastern flank of the fire. The contingency line along the northeastern flank has been completed. Yesterday, thunder cells with updraft winds did not result in any spots or threats to the control line. Operational plans for today continue to be to tie in handline along the western flank of the fire and continue to work on getting more depth on the control line. 

Pellitreau fire is 100% contained and the Sulfur fire is 95% contained. Crews will continue to mop up the areas and monitor and patrol to ensure fire remains within the containment lines. 

Weather: A lower pressure center will result in cooler temperatures today than yesterday. Maximum temperatures of 72-75 °F are expected at 4,000 feet. Minimum relative humidities are expected to be around 35-40%. South-southwest winds are expected to be 6-9 mph with gusts around 18-20 mph in the afternoon. Temperatures are expected to increase again over the weekend. 

August 24, 2023 at 10:02 AM

A Red Flag Warning is in place today from 3 pm to Friday morning at 2 am for potential scattered thunderstorms in Del Norte, North and East Humboldt, Western Siskiyou and Western Trinity Counties. This may result in scattered thunderstorms producing abundant lightning, outflow wind gusts up to 40 mph and a potential for increased fire spread in our fire area. 

 3-9 Fire  Firefighters will be brushing and strengthening the road system along Pilot Creek and on the southwestern area of the 3-9 fire area to improve the road system coming up to the Dan East Trail. Yesterday, firefighters were able to secure the handline on a 30-acre slop-over from Sunday night on the east side. Dozer and handlines have been improved up to the fire’s edge. Firefighters were successful in constructing handline along Bear Creek. Dozers and excavators are working to build containment lines to hold the southeastern perimeter. Helicopters are assisting the operation utilizing retardant drops.  A mobile retardant base has been established in Hyampom. 

Pilot Fire crews have successfully finished constructing handline along the road on the northeastern flank.  The contingency lines along the eastern flank have been completed. Crews have been successful with the handline around Grouse Creek, on the eastern portion of the fire line. Operational plans for today continue to be secure and mop up the perimeter of the Pilot Fire and finish the contingency line.

The Pellitreau fire is 100% contained and the Sulfur fire has 95% containment. Crews will continue to mop up the area and monitor and patrol to ensure fire remains within the containment lines. Most equipment has been pulled from these fires to assist the Pilot and 3-9 Fires. 

Evacuation Warning: 

These remain in effect.  Please continue to check the Trinity County Wildfire and Evacuation site for up-to-date status and locations:  Trinity County Wildfire and Evacuation Map 

Forest Closure: There are new Forest Closure orders for the South Fork Complex Fire that have been posted on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website home page and on the Six Rivers National Forest (click on Forest Closures).  Please avoid the closed areas. 

August 23, 2023 at 9:56 AM

3-9 Fire: 1,430 acres with 0% containment
Pilot Fire: 913 acres with 26% containment
Pelllitreau Fire: 3 acres with 100% containment
Sulphur Fire: 31 acres with 20% containment

3-9 Fire: Firefighters continue to improve the dozer line down to Pilot Creek on the southwestern perimeter and put in handline along Pilot Creek going north. Firefighters were able to go direct on the northwest side along the Route 1 road. They are also able to go direct along the ridgeline to Bennett Peak and were able to get a dozer in on the north side. The strategy is to build an indirect line using an existing road on the east side as going direct is not feasible in this steep snag-ridden area.

Pilot Fire: In general, good progress is being made on the containment lines of this fire. Hand-line has been completed along the east side along Grouse Creek. Dozer line is in along the southern, western and northern perimeter of this fire. Firefighters are working on a contingency dozer line east of the fire in case the fire moves beyond the handline. A satellite camp has been established for the Pilot firefighters to reduce their travel time to the fire.

There are no real issues with the Pellitreau and Sulfur fires; they are both currently in patrol status. The increase in acreage on the Pellitreau fire is due to better mapping data.

Falling snags have already injured several firefighters this season in California. Falling snags that become rolling burning logs (“rollouts”) can spread fire. Widespread concentrations of fire-weakened snags remain the primary challenge to firefighters.

Weather and Fire Behavior: Weather models show a warming trend will occur which will continue to dry fuels and likely increase fire behavior. High pressure will build into the region today and begin a warming trend through Wednesday and a drying trend through Thursday. Temperatures will rise at least 10 degrees today from yesterday. The Pilot Fire and 3-9 Fires will continue to burn heavier fuels within the perimeter and wind may test control lines. Spot fires created by rollout will continue to present an issue with several areas of the fire. Major movement of the fire is unlikely without a wind event.

August 21, 2023 at 8:35 AM

3-9 Fire: 400 acres with 0% containment
Pilot Fire: 500 acres with 6% containment
Pelllitreau Fire: 3.4 acres with 100% containment
Sulphur Fire: 33 acres with 75% containment

Dozer line has been constructed on the southern perimeter of the 3-9 fire. The team priority is the southeastern corner to protect Hyampom and Lake Mountain Ranch. The 3N14 road on the east side is being reopened and improved with handline as part of this effort. Additional dozer line has been put in up to Bennet Peak and will eventually go to Grapevine Creek. There is high density of snags in the northern perimeter as this fire is in a 7 year old burn scar; this has made safely building line there a slow process. Additional contingency lines are being built around the fire as well.

The Pilot fire has dozer line in place on the northwest and southern sides. There were 2 spots over the line yesterday that were caught. Good progress has been made on the southwestern perimeter by CalFire crews working on private land. They have also been supporting the USFS effort with improving additional line. The Team priority for this fire is the northwest corner to prevent any runs up to the PG&E KV transmission line that supplies electricity to Eureka and surrounding communities on the coast. In some ways this is an easier fire to fight as there is no recent fire history to create snags that complicate safety issues for firefighters.

The Pellitreau fire has containment line around it and is in patrol status. Good progress has been made on the Sulfur fire; it is in mop up and patrol status as well.

Weather and Fire Behavior: An area of low pressure west of the Bay Area, coupled with increasing tropical moisture from tropical storm Hilary will bring increasing clouds, spotty showers and thunderstorms today and Tuesday. Firefighters will be watching for erratic and gusty winds from thunderstorm outflow and frequent lightning from the storm.

Community Meeting on Tuesday:

A community meeting is being held Tuesday, August 22nd at 6:00pm. The meeting will be held at the at the Veteran’s Hall – VFW Post 9546 located at: 9201 CA-3, Hayfork, CA. This meeting will be in-person.

Evacuation Warning:

These remain in effect. Please continue to check the Trinity County Wildfire and Evacuation site for up-to-date status and locations: Trinity County Wildfire and Evacuation Map

Forest Closure: There are new Forest Closure orders for the South Fork Complex Fire that have been posted on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website home page. Please avoid the closed areas.