Forest Fires
Klamath National Forest
July & August 2006
Happy Camp Complex Fire Update
August 15, 2006, 7:00 am
Summary: Closures in several areas of the Happy Camp Complex have been lifted or relaxed. The Goff Trail, Boundary National Recreation Trail, and Pacific Crest Trail are now open. Within the Happy Camp Ranger District, a portion of the Marble Mountain Wilderness is also now open east of the Pacific Crest Trail. Previously issued closures for roads, campgrounds, and trails remain in effect (see Closures below).
Smoke was visible in Happy Camp yesterday and is expected to continue today. Although the Titus Fire exhibited very minimal activity, several fires in northern California became more active and smoke from those fires is affecting air quality throughout the region.
The Titus Fire is the only fire in the complex showing any activity. Progress on that fire has been good and containment has increased to 40%. Rehabilitation has been started in some areas.
Time/Date Started: July 23, 2006
Location: The Titus Fire is 13 miles south of Happy Camp partially in the Marble Mountain Wilderness.
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Timber, brush, grass, snags, duff
Size: Total complex acres: 3,818; Titus Fire: 3,465 acres
Containment: 30%
Resources Committed: 2 Type 1 crews, 9 Type 2 crews, 3 helicopters, 1 engine, 2 dozers, 11 water tenders. Total personnel = 543.
Estimated Cost to Date: $8,090,503.
Predicted Weather: Weather is expected to be somewhat cooler than yesterday.
Structures: No structures are currently threatened.
Closures: The Klamath River is closed from Wingate Bar River Access to 1,000 yards below Independence Bridge until an investigation of the helicopter accident is complete. All river access points and dispersed campsites along this stretch of river are closed to public use. Please call (530) 493-2243 for more information. Closures are still in effect to ensure public safety during fire suppression activities. Within the Happy Camp Ranger District, the Marble Mountain Wilderness west of the Pacific Crest Trail remains closed. This includes the following trails: Johnson’s Hunting Ground (7E021); Tickner Creek (8E07); Ukonom-Cuddihy Lakes (7E050); and Ukonom-One Mile Lakes (7E031 and 542). Sulphur Springs and Norcross campgrounds remain closed as well as Forest System Roads 15N17Y, 15N10, 15N08 and 16N05.
Smoke in Happy Camp
People in Happy Camp are noticing smoke in town. The Titus Fire continues to show limited fire activity. However, multiple fires in northern California have become more active in the last days with the warmer, drier weather. Smoke from these fires is affecting air quality throughout the region. Please be patient. Firefighters on all these fires are doing all they can to protect people, communities, and natural values.
See advice about smoke from the Siskiyou County Public Health Department on the Health & Well-Being page of this site.
Some Trails Reopen in
Klamath National Forest
August 14, 2006 - Yreka - Concerns for public safety in areas adjacent to the Goff Fire and the Caribou Wildland Fire Use event have lessened, prompting officials with the Klamath National forest to reopen trails in the vicinity of these fires.
The public may again use the following trails:
- Fort Goff Trail #12W01 (Happy Camp Ranger District)
- Boundary National Recreation Trail #12W47 (Happy Camp Ranger District)
- Caribou Lake Trail #9W18 (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- Old Caribou Trail #9W02 (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
Closures continue to be in effect for the following trails, as well as the entire Marble Mountain Wilderness:
- Little North Fork Trail # 11W26.3 (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- Old Tanners Trail # 11W47 (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- Devils Canyon Trail #11W26B (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- Snowslide Trail # 12W19(Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- Little South Fork Trail #10W26 (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- South Garden Gulch Trail #10W24 (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- Poison Canyon Trail #10W28 (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- South Fork Salmon Trail #11W34 (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- Rush Creek Trail #10W02 (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- McNeil Creek Trail #10W25 (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- Tickner Trail # 8E07 (Happy Camp Ranger District)
- Johnson’s Hunting Ground Trail #7E021 (Happy Camp Ranger District)
- Ukonom-One Mile Lakes Trail # 7E031 (Happy Camp Ranger District)
- Ukonom-Cuddihy Lakes Trail #7E050 (Happy Camp Ranger District)
- Wooley Creek Trail # 12W15(Orleans Ranger District)
For information about special closures and fire restrictions see the Klamath’s web site; www.fs.fed.us/r5/klamath.
Titus Fire, Happy Camp Complex, 4 August 2006, photo by Don Yee of the NAZ Team. Click on the photo to see more NAZ Team photographs of the Happy Camp Complex fires. 
Thank you, Northern Arizona Incident Management Team, for working on our fires from July 27 until August 9, 2006.
Happy Camp Complex Fire Update
August 14, 2006, 7:00 am
Summary: There were no new starts reported yesterday. Fire activity was again limited to smoldering. Crews on the Titus Fire continued with the strategy of building direct line where it is safe and building a secondary line to encircle the entire fire. A secondary line is a line constructed some distance from the fire and serves as an insurance measure in case the fire escapes control of the primary line. Good progress has been made and is expected to continue. Initial attack crews are available to respond to any newly found lightning-strike fires.
Time/Date Started: July 23, 2006
Location: The Titus Fire is 13 miles south of Happy Camp partially in the Marble Mountain Wilderness.
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Timber, brush, grass, snags, duff
Size: Total complex acres: 3,818; Titus Fire: 3,465 acres
Containment: 30%
Resources Committed: 2 Type 1 crews, 10 Type 2 crews, 4 helicopters, 2 engines, 2 dozers, 9 water tenders. Total personnel = 584.
Estimated Cost to Date: $7,207,552.
Predicted Weather: Weather is expected to be very similar to yesterday.
Structures: No structures are currently threatened.
Closures: The Klamath River is closed from Wingate Bar River Access to 1,000 yards below Independence Bridge until an investigation of the helicopter accident is complete. All river access points and dispersed campsites along this stretch of river are closed to public use. Please call (530) 493-2243 for more information. The following closures are still in effect to ensure public safety during fire suppression activities: the entire Marble Mountain Wilderness area, Sulphur Springs and Norcross campgrounds, Forest System Roads 15N17Y, 15N10, and 15N08 and the following trails: Fort Goff (12W01); Boundary National Recreational Trail (12W47); Johnson’s Hunting Ground (7E021); Tickner Creek (8E07); Ukonom-Cuddihy Lakes (7E050); and Ukonom-One Mile Lakes (7E031 and 5427).
Happy Camp Complex Fire Update
August 11, 2006, 7:00 am
Summary: The Titus Fire showed limited activity yesterday and did not increase in size. Firefighters continued to construct direct line along the fire’s western flank.
Two new fires were detected yesterday. The Elk Fire (near Elk Peak) and the Harrington Fires (near Harrington Peak) both have been contained and are in patrol status.
The Clear Fire has been contained and mop up is ongoing. The Ten Mile Fire has been contained and is in patrol status.
Initial attack crews are available to respond to any newly found lightning-strike fires.
Time/Date Started: July 23, 2006
Location: The Titus Fire is 13 miles south of Happy Camp in the Marble Mountain Wilderness.
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Timber, brush, grass, snags, duff
Size: Total complex acres: 3,757; Titus Fire: 3,465 acres
Containment: 15% (The change in containment is due to more accurate GIS mapping techniques.)
Resources Committed: 1 Type 1 crew, 8 Type 2 crews, 2 helicopters, 3 engines, 2 dozers, 10 water tenders. Total personnel = 498.
Estimated Cost to Date: $5,423,189.00
Predicted Weather: Temperatures will be in the upper 80s. Relative humidity will be slightly higher today.
Structures: No structures are currently threatened.
Closures: The Klamath River is closed from Wingate Bar River Access to 1,000 yards below Independence Bridge until an investigation of the helicopter accident is complete. All river access points and dispersed campsites along this stretch of river are closed to public use. Please call (530) 493-2243 for more information. The following closures are still in effect to ensure public safety during fire suppression activities: the entire Marble Mountain Wilderness area, Sulphur Springs and Norcross campgrounds, Forest System Roads 15N17Y, 15N10, and 15N08 and the following trails: Fort Goff (12W01); Boundary National Recreational Trail (12W47); Johnson’s Hunting Ground (7E021); Tickner Creek (8E07); Ukonom-Cuddihy Lakes (7E050); and Ukonom-One Mile Lakes (7E031 and 5427).
More information: http://inciweb.org/incident/361/.
Orleans Fire Summary
Six Rivers National Forest; 8,398 acres; 30% Contained; Estimated Containment Date: 9/30/06; Total Personnel: 703; Cost to Date: $8.6M; Type 2 Incident Management Team (Blume) is assigned. Two fires burning in timber and dead/down fuels northeast of Orleans, CA. Current threats include numerous structures, significant cultural and spiritual sites, and a municipal watershed. Due to steep slopes and recent rains debris continues to roll onto Highway 96. Drivers are reminded to use caution when traveling in the Orleans/Somes Bar area. For more information on this fire, please visit http://inciweb.org/incident/370.
Uncles Fire Complex Summary
Klamath National Forest; 10,432 acres; 25% contained; Estimated Containment Date: 10/3/06; Total Personnel: 568; Cost to Date: $5.9M; A Type 2 Incident Management Team (Kaage) is assigned. Three fires burning in brush and old growth forest 18 miles northeast of Orleans, CA. Steep terrain and difficult access is hampering containment efforts. For more information on this fire, please visit http://inciweb.org/incident/348/.
Happy Camp Complex Fire Update
August 10, 2006, 7:00 am
Summary: Southern California Team 3, a Type 2 Interagency Incident Management Team (Incident Commander Don Garwood) assumed command of the Happy Camp Complex after a transition with the Northern Arizona Type 2 Incident Management Team.
Two new fires were detected yesterday afternoon. The Clear Fire is south of Happy Camp and is 3-5 acres. The cause of this fire is under investigation. The Ten Mile Fire is a lightning-ignited fire in the Siskiyou Wilderness. Suppression actions are underway on both of these fires. The Titus Fire did not increase in size.
A memorial service was held for Terry “Jake” Jacobs and Andrei Pantchenko at the Happy Camp Park Pavilion on August 9.
Time/Date Started: July 23, 2006
Location: The Titus Fire is 13 miles south of Happy Camp in the Marble Mountain Wilderness.
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Timber, brush, grass, snags, duff
Size: Total complex acres: 3,757; Titus Fire: 3,465 acres
Containment: 30%
Resources Committed: 1 Type 1 crew, 6 Type 2 crews, 2 helicopters, 7 engines, 3 dozers, 9 water tenders. Total personnel = 441.
Estimated Cost to Date: $5,321,000
Predicted Weather: Temperatures will be in the 90s and the continuing drying trend will lower relative humidity. There is a slight chance for afternoon thunderstorms.
Structures: No structures are currently threatened.
Closures: The Klamath River is closed from Wingate Bar River Access to 1,000 yards below Independence Bridge until an investigation of the helicopter accident is complete. All river access points and dispersed campsites along this stretch of river are closed to public use. Please call (530) 493-2243 for more information. The following closures are still in effect to ensure public safety during fire suppression activities: the entire Marble Mountain Wilderness area, Sulphur Springs and Norcross campgrounds, Forest System Roads 15N17Y, 15N10, and 15N08 and the following trails: Fort Goff (12W01); Boundary National Recreational Trail (12W47); Johnson’s Hunting Ground (7E021); Tickner Creek (8E07); Ukonom-Cuddihy Lakes (7E050); and Ukonom-One Mile Lakes (7E031 and 5427).
Happy Camp Complex Fire Update
August 9, 2006, 7:00 am
This will be the last update from the Northern Arizona Type 2 Incident Management Team. The Northern Arizona team will transfer command of the Happy Camp Complex to the Southern California Type 2 Incident Management Team (Incident Commander Don Garwood) at 6 p.m. today.
Future information regarding the status of the Happy Camp Complex can be obtained on-line at www.inciweb.org or by calling (530) 493-1511 or (310) 749-2423.
Time/Date Started: July 23, 2006
Location: The Titus Fire is 13 miles south of Happy Camp in the Marble Mountain Wilderness.
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Timber, brush, grass, snags, duff
Size: Total complex acres: 3,757; Titus Fire: 3,465 acres
Containment: 30%
Resources Committed: 3 Type 1 crews, 4 Type 2 crews, 2 helicopters (medium), 10 engines, 3 dozers, 9 water tenders. Total personnel = 402.
Estimated Cost to Date: $5,235,000
Predicted Weather: Temperatures will be in the low 80s; relative humidity 28 percent; winds will be light and from the southwest.
Structures: No structures are currently threatened.
Closures: The Klamath River is closed from Wingate Bar River Access to 1,000 yards below Independence Bridge until an investigation of the helicopter accident is complete. All river access points and dispersed campsites along this stretch of river are closed to public use. Please call (530) 493-2243 for more information. The following closures are still in effect to ensure public safety during fire suppression activities: the entire Marble Mountain Wilderness area, Sulphur Springs and Norcross campgrounds, Forest System Roads 15N17Y, 15N10, and 15N08 and the following trails: Fort Goff (12W01); Boundary National Recreational Trail (12W47); Johnson’s Hunting Ground (7E021); Tickner Creek (8E07); Ukonom-Cuddihy Lakes (7E050); and Ukonom-One Mile Lakes (7E031 and 5427).
Summary: The Titus Fire did not increase in size yesterday due to damp conditions. Firefighters will attempt to use this period of decreased fire activity to construct direct line along the fire’s western flank. Initial attack crews will also be available to respond to any newly found lightning-caused fires.
Lightning Ignites More Fires
August 8, 2006 - Yreka - Once again, thunderstorms passed through the area igniting fires in the Klamath National Forest. Luckily, rain came with these storms. As of Sunday, August 6, lightning detection satellites recorded over 2,000 strikes in and around Siskiyou County.
As of 9 a.m. Tuesday, August 8, twenty-seven fires were reported with the majority on the westside of the forest. The fires range in size from one-tenth to five acres. Most of the new fires are staffed and contained.
Much of the forest received rain with these storms. However, as the weather warms and fuels dry out, more fires are expected to be reported throughout the week.
Two Type II Incident Management Teams are assigned to assist the forest with the larger fires that started from the previous lightning storms in July. The NorCal Interagency Incident Management Team #2 is assigned to the Uncles Complex on the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District. The three largest fires in the complex have burned about 10,250 acres and are about 20% contained.
The Happy Camp Complex is being managed by the Northern Arizona Incident Management Team. The Titus Fire is the largest in the complex, and has burned about 3,757 acres and is 30% contained.
The Marble Mountain Wilderness area, two campgrounds, some Forest System roads, and some trails are closed due to fire suppression activities. The Wingate Bar River Access to the Klamath River, south of Happy Camp, is closed until the investigation of the helicopter accident is complete.
More information about these and other fires may be found on the web at www.inciweb.org. This site is updated as new information becomes available.
Titus Fire Update
August 8, 2006 - Approximately ¼ inch of rain fell over the Titus Fire area yesterday and moderated its spread significantly. Firefighters will continue to construct hand line and tie it into the existing road and trail network. Initial attack resources will increase in order to respond to newly found lightning-caused fires.
Happy Camp Complex Fire Update
Date: August 8, 2006, 7 a.m.
Time/Date Started: July 23, 2006
Location: The Titus Fire is 13 miles south of Happy Camp in the Marble Mountain Wilderness.
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Timber, brush, grass, snags, duff
Size: Total complex acres: 3,757; Titus Fire: 3,465 acres
Containment: 30%
Resources Committed: 3 Type 1 crews, 3 Type 2 crews, 2 helicopters (medium), 10 engines, 3 dozers, 9 water tenders. Total personnel = 377.
Estimated Cost to Date: $4,861,000
Predicted Weather: Drier weather and decreasing clouds are expected. Temperatures will be in the low 80s; relative humidity 35 percent; winds will be 5 mph, with gusts up to 10 mph, from the west.
Structures: No structures are currently threatened.
Closures: The Klamath River is closed from Wingate Bar River Access to 1,000 yards below Independence Bridge until an investigation of the helicopter accident is complete. All river access points and dispersed campsites along this stretch of river are closed to public use. Please call (530) 493-2243 for more information.
The following closures are still in effect to ensure public safety during fire suppression activities: the entire Marble Mountain Wilderness area, Sulphur Springs and Norcross campgrounds, Forest System Roads 15N17Y, 15N10, and 15N08 and the following trails: Fort Goff (12W01); Boundary National Recreational Trail (12W47); Johnson’s Hunting Ground (7E021); Tickner Creek (8E07); Ukonom-Cuddihy Lakes (7E050); and Ukonom-One Mile Lakes (7E031 and 5427).
Summary: Approximately ¼ inch of rain fell over the Titus Fire area yesterday and moderated its spread significantly. Firefighters will continue to construct hand line and tie it into the existing road and trail network. Initial attack resources will increase in order to respond to newly found lightning-caused fires.
Websites: www.nazteam.com, www.inciweb.org
Information phone numbers: (530) 598-0065, (530) 493-1511.
All-American Team of Firefighters Assist with Suppression Efforts
August 8, 2006 - Klamath National Forest - Firefighters from all over the country are assisting with fire suppression efforts at the Uncles Complex. Crews from New York, Montana, Oregon, California, Arizona, and New Mexico are working side by side to contain three wilderness fires that started on July 23. Additional resources represent the states of Alaska, Maryland, Utah, Texas, Wyoming, Illinois, and New Hampshire.
The Arroyo Grande Helishots have also arrived to help. They are a unique firefighting resource from the Los Padres National Forest in southern California, consisting of an 18-person crew and helicopter. The helicopter is a Type I ship, the largest class helicopter used in wildland firefighting. The flight crew is ready at a moments notice for travel anywhere in the country. Because of their unique transportation, the crew is frequently the first on the scene of a fire. They are especially useful for fighting remote fires such as those of the Uncles Complex. If no clearing is available for the large helicopter, the crew is trained to rappel from the ship to the fire. Their Sikorsky S-61 helicopter will be working out of the Scott Valley airport, 12 air miles southwest of Yreka, CA.
Uncles Complex Summary:
Total Area Involved: 6450 acres, 10% contained.
Expected Containment Date: 10/03/06 Costs to Date: $ 1,600,000.
Resources Committed: 15 crews, 4 helicopters, 12 engines, 5 dozers,
12 water tenders, 2 camp crews. Total Personnel: 557, Injuries: 3.
Today’s activities include the following:
Rush Fire: Structure protection remains the top priority. Firing operations are occurring along the north flank to secure and improve the existing fireline.
Uncles Fire: Crews will build indirect line along a ridge on the southwest flank.
Hancock Fire: Aerial reconnaissance and monitoring as smoke conditions allow.
Additional Information regarding the Uncles Complex and other area fires (Orleans Complex, Happy Camp Complex, and Bar Complex), can be obtained at: www.inciweb.org.
Helicopter Crashes Into Klamath River
On August 4, 2006 this helicopter crashed into the Klamath River only a few hundred yards upriver from Independence Bridge. Both the pilot and co-pilot were killed. They were working on the Titus Fire in the Happy Camp Complex. 
Due to the helicopter crash, the entire Independence River Access has been closed while investigators scour the area looking for crash debris and evidence. The bridge is closed as well as the road into the wilderness, the New 49'ers Upper Independence Mining Claim, K-24, and the roadside rest area. 
Forest Service investigators were joined by an investigator from the National Transportation Safety Board in their search of the gravel bar upriver from Independence Bridge. Red tape is used to mark areas where evidence was found. The National Transportation Safety Board is an independent Federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in the other modes of transportation -- and issuing safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. The Safety Board will determine the probable cause of the accident. For more information about this accident, see the Law Enforcement page of this site.
Happy Camp, CA – A contract helicopter assigned to the Happy Camp Complex wildfire crashed into the Klamath River approximately 10 miles south of
Happy Camp around 7:45 p.m Friday. Two pilots aboard the helicopter did not survive the crash. The accident site has been secured and an investigation
is ongoing.
The Happy Camp Complex is comprised of 11 lightning caused fires located around the Happy Camp and Oak Knoll Ranger Districts. The Northern Arizona Type 2 Incident Management Team is currently managing the complex and 9 of the 11 fires have been confirmed contained/ controlled. Firefighters are working to contain the last two remaining fires; the Goff and Titus fires.
Quick Fire Facts:
- Size: Approximately 2,843 acres (Goff and Titus Fires combined)
- Containment: 25%
- Structures Potentially Threatened: None
- Land Ownership: US Forest Service
- Personnel Assigned: 505
Additional fire information can be accessed at www.nazteam.com or www.inciweb.org.
Marble Mountain Wilderness
And Forest Roads Closed
Due To Happy Camp Complex Fires
Due to forest fires, the entire Marble Mountain Wilderness has been closed to the public. Click on the map for a larger version in pdf format. 
Two Klamath Forest roads, including the road to Sulphur Springs campground, have been closed due to the Titus Fire in the Happy Camp Complex. Click on the map for a larger version in pdf format. Fire Restrictions
Fire restriction exemptions in the Klamath National Forest. Click on the map for a larger version in pdf format. August 3, 2006 - Yreka - Effective Thursday, August 3, the Klamath National Forest set special fire restrictions on the national forest because of the risk of large fires due to very dry conditions in forest vegetation. The fire prevention measures will continue through October 30, 2006, Peg Boland, Forest Supervisor, announced today.
"Concentrating open campfires in designated recreational sites should help minimize the potential of accidentally starting a wildland fire," said Boland.
Fire restrictions include:
- Building, maintaining, attending or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal briquette grills, except in designated recreation sites listed below.
- Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, or in the designated wilderness areas and recreation sites listed below.
- Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with an open flame.
- Using explosives.
- Operating an internal combustion engine, except on Forest system roads or trails.
Exempted from the restrictions are:
- Persons with a permit from the Forest Service specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited activity. Persons with a valid California Campfire Permit are NOT exempt from the restrictions. However, persons with a valid California Campfire Permit may use portable stoves or lanterns using gas, jellied petroleum, or pressurized liquid fuel.
- The Trinity Alps, Russian, and Siskiyou Wilderness areas.
Persons violating these restrictions may be subject to a fine, six months in jail, or both. If a person is found to have caused a wildfire anywhere on the national forest, they can be held liable for suppression costs.
Additional information can be obtained at any Klamath national Forest office. The Order will also be posted on the website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/klamath/. The Shasta-Trinity, Six Rivers and Mendocino National Forests are implementing similar restrictions. Contact these respective forests for more information.
Please see the map for locations of exempted areas.
Designated Recreation Sites
Goosenest
- Juanita Lake Campground
- Martin's Dairy Campground
- Shafter Campground
- Four Corners Snowmobile Park
- Deer Mtn Snowmobile Park
- Orr Lake Campground
Happy Camp
- Curly Jack Campground
- Sulphur Springs Campground
- Nor Cross Campground
- Grider Creek Campground
- O'Neil Creek Campground
- Sarah Totten Campground
Oak Knoll
- Beaver Creek Campground
- Tree of Heaven Campground
- Mt. Ashland Campground
- Grouse Gap Shelter
Scott River
- Jones Beach Picnic Area
- Kangaroo Lake Campground & Picnic Area
- Bridge Flat Campground
- Trail Creek Campground
- Indian Scotty Campground
- Carter Meadows Group Campground
- Hidden Horse Campground
- Lover's Camp Trailhead
Salmon River
- Big Flat Campground
- East Fork Campground
- Hotelling Campground
- Matthews Creek Campground
- Mulebridge trailhead
- Red Bank Campground
- Taylor Lake Trailhead
Ukonom
- Nordheimer Campground
- Oakbottom Campground
- Dillon Creek Campground
- Stanshaw Trailhead
August 2, 2006 - Yreka - To ensure public safety during fire suppression activities on the Titus Fire and Uncles Fire Complex, the Forest Supervisor of the Klamath National Forest has implemented a temporary closure of the Marble Mountains Wilderness, and certain roads and campgrounds outside the wilderness boundary.
The closures will be begin Wednesday, August 2, 2006, and will be in effect until the wildfires in the area are fully suppressed.
"We did not enter into this decision lightly," said Peg Boland, Forest Supervisor for the Klamath National Forest. "We have three large fires, along with a few smaller fires burning in the Marble Mountain Wilderness. It has gotten to a point where we could not guarantee the safety of the Wilderness visitor."
The closure will protect the public from the numerous fires that are actively burning in the Uncles Complex and Happy Camp Complex. The campgrounds included in this closure are being used by fire crews, and may be threatened by wildfire in the future.
The road closures are in an area potentially threatened by the Titus Fire, and are being used by vehicles and equipment assigned to the Happy Camp Complex.
The closures include:
- All lands located within the Marble Mountain Wilderness
- The following Forest System Roads
- 15N17Y from its intersection with the private road in Township 15 North, Range 7 East, Section 29, Humboldt Meridian, to its intersection with 15N10.
- 15N10 from its intersection with 15N17Y, to its intersection with 16N05
- 15N08 from 200 feet below its intersection with 16N05 to its termination at Norcross Campground.
- Sulphur Springs Campground and Norcross Campground.
"We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause," said Boland. "But as the fire season intensified, we felt we had no other choice."
For more information about the closure or for other ideas of where to hike and camp contact the Klamath National Forest at 530-842-6131, or check out our website at: www.fs.fed.us/r5/klamath.
Happy Camp Complex Fire Update
Date: August 6, 2006, 7 a.m.
Time/Date Started: July 23, 2006
Location: The Goff Fire is 9 miles northeast of Happy Camp and the Titus Fire is 13 miles south of Happy Camp in the Marble Mountain Wilderness.
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Timber, brush, grass, snags, duff
Size: Goff Fire: 235 acres; Titus Fire: 3,354 acres
Containment: 25%
Resources Committed: 5 Type 1 crews, 6 Type 2 crews, 2 helicopters (medium), 13 engines, 3 dozers, 11 water tenders. Total personnel = 476.
Estimated Cost to Date: $4,014,000
Predicted Weather: There is a fire weather watch in effect for Sunday and Sunday night due to possible thunderstorms. Chance of rain is 20 percent. Temperatures will be in the mid 80s; relative humidity 25 percent; winds will be light and from the northeast.
Structures: No structures are currently threatened.
Closures: The following closures are in effect to ensure public safety during fire suppression activities: the entire Marble Mountain Wilderness area, Sulphur Springs and Norcross campgrounds, Forest System Roads 15N17Y, 15N10, and 15N08 and the following trails: Fort Goff (12W01); Boundary National Recreational Trail (12W47); Johnson’s Hunting Ground (7E021); Tickner Creek (8E07); Ukonom-Cuddihy Lakes (7E050); and Ukonom-One Mile Lakes (7E031 and 5427).
Summary: A Type 1 contract helicopter assigned to the Happy Camp Complex wildfire went down into the Klamath River approximately 10 miles south of Happy Camp around 7:45 p.m. on Friday evening. This was a fatal accident killing both the pilot and co-pilot. An investigation is being conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration, National Transportation Safety Board, and the U.S. Forest Service.
The Goff Fire is almost contained. One crew is assigned to the fire to finish mop up operations and monitor its status.
The Titus Fire expanded to 3,354 acres. Crews continue to prep existing roads and trails and construct hand and dozer line to contain the northern and southern expansion of the fire. A burnout operation is planned for the north side of the fire today.
Websites: www.nazteam.com, www.inciweb.org
Information phone numbers: (530) 598-0065, (530) 493-1511.
Happy Camp Complex
FireUpdate, July 29, 6 AM
Time/Date Started: July 23, 2006
Location: The complex is comprised of 11 fires located at various sites across the Happy Camp Ranger District of the Klamath National Forest.
Cause: Lightning
Fuels: Timber, brush, grass, snags, duff
Size: 400 acres (combined)
% Contained: 15%
Resources Committed: 3 Type 1 crews, 5 Type 2 crews, 1 helicopter (medium), 5 engines, 1 dozer, 3 water tenders. Total personnel = 333.
Estimated Cost to Date: $802,000
Predicted Weather: Temperatures will be in the low 90s; relative humidity at 22 percent; 4-6 mph winds are expected from the west.
Structures: No structures are currently threatened.
Closures: To ensure public safety during fire suppression activities, the following area trails are closed: Fort Goff (12W01); Boundary National Recreational Trail (12W47); Johnson’s Hunting Ground (7E021); Tickner Creek (8E07); Ukonom-Cuddihy Lakes (7E050); and Ukonom-One Mile Lakes (7E031 and 5427).
Summary: Six of the original 11 fires comprising the complex are confirmed contained/controlled. Mop up is occurring on three small fires, which are projected to be controlled within the next few days. Two fires continue to grow in size.
- The Goff Fire, approximately 9 miles northeast of Happy Camp, is 150 acres in size. Yesterday, the Goff Fire did make a half-mile run in brush, however, firefighters were able to begin building a containment line around the fire.
- The Titus Fire, approximately 13 miles south of Happy Camp in the Marble Mountain Wilderness Area, is 175 acres and currently unstaffed; it will remain unstaffed until additional resources arrive or they can be diverted from the Goff Fire as soon as it is contained.
Today, firefighters will continue to build fire line around the Goff Fire and plan a suppression strategy for the Titus Fire. Mop up will continue on all remaining smaller fires.
For more information, go to www.nazteam.com or Inciweb.org or call (530) 598-0065.
Individuals Evacuated
July 29, 2006 - Yreka - On July 28, 2006 at one pm, the Norcal Team One evacuated two individuals and their pet cat from Ricky Ranch due to concerns for their safety. The Rush incident had progressed ¾ of a mile down slope into the Rush Creek drainage putting the private ownership cabin at risk of being over taken by wildfire. The Rush Fire was very active yesterday and initial attack crews had to withdraw due to lack of fire fighting resources. The fire went from 290 to 530 acres yesterday and is threatening structures in the Ricky Ranch, Summerville, Glacier View Ranch, Horseshoe Bend and Petersburg area.
Smoke from the Orleans, Bar, and Uncles Complex are effecting the air quality of the Scott Valley Area. Due to the warm dry weather trends, fire activity and smoke production is predicted to increase, thereby decreasing visibility and causing possible driving hazards.
The lightning-caused Uncles Complex, located in the Marble Mountain and Trinity Alps Wilderness on the Klamath National Forest, has burned a total of approximately 2,045 acres as of July 29, 2006. The complex encompasses the Rush, Uncles, Snoozer, Katherine, and Hancock Fires.
The Uncles Fire is approximately 250 acres and the Hancock Fire is approximately 1270 acres and will be unstaffed today due to lack of fire fighting resources. The Uncles, Hancock, Snoozer and Katherine will be monitored by aircraft.
The first and most important objective for managing any wildland fires is to provide for fire fighter and public safety. Numerous fires in the West have depleted the number of available firefighting resources. Competition is critical for these resources. The Rush and Uncles Fires will not have personnel working directly on the fires, but will be monitored and evaluated daily for appropriate management actions.
Fires Prompt Trail and Other Restrictions
July 28, 2006 - Yreka - Wildland fire activity on the Klamath National Forest has prompted officials to initiate a number of restrictions on trails, campgrounds and wilderness. Concern for public safety in areas affected by recent fires is the primary reason for these restrictions.
The following restrictions are in effect until further notice,
Campgrounds
All campgrounds listed below are closed until further notice.
Idlewild Campground on the Salmon & Scott Ranger District is closed until further notice.
Trails
All trails listed below are closed until further notice.
- Little North Fork Trail # 11W26.3 (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- Old Tanners Trail # 11W47 (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- Devils Canyon Trail #11W26B (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- Snowslide Trail # 12W19(Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- Caribou Lake Trail # 9W18 (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- Old Caribou Lake Trail #9W02 (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- Little South Fork Trail #10W26 (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- South Garden Gulch Trail #10W24 (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- Poison Canyon Trail #10W28 (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- South Fork Salmon Trail #11W34 (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- Rush Creek Trail #10W02 (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- McNeil Creek Trail #10W25 (Salmon & Scott River Ranger District)
- Tickner Trail # 8E07 (Happy Camp Ranger District)
- Fort Goff Trail # 2W01 (Happy Camp Ranger District)
- Boundary National Recreational Trail #12W47 (Happy Camp Ranger District)
- Johnson’s Hunting Ground Trail #7E021 (Happy Camp Ranger District)
- Ukonom-One Mile Lakes Trail # 7E031 (Happy Camp Ranger District)
- Ukonom-Cuddihy Lakes Trail #7E050 (Happy Camp Ranger District)
- Wooley Creek Trail # 12W15(Orleans Ranger District)
Wilderness Areas
All Wilderness Areas listed below are closed until further notice.
The Six Rivers National Forest Section of the Siskiyou Wilderness Area.
The current fire situation on the Klamath National Forest is dictating these closures, and can change quite quickly. Information concerning the fires and associated restrictions will be posted on the Forest website, www.fs.fed.us/r5/klamath, or at Inciweb.org.
Fire Update
July 27, 2006 - Yreka - The Northern Arizona Incident Management Team assumed command of the Happy Camp Complex, on the Happy Camp/Oak Knoll Ranger District, this morning. The complex is comprised of 11 fires with a combined burned acreage of 90 acres.
On the complex, the Titus fire is estimated at 50 acres, the Goff Fire is estimated to be 10 acres, and the Grider Fire is estimated at 20 acres. Three fires have been contained.
The Uncles Complex, on the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District is comprised of six fires. The Uncles Fire is an estimated at 45 acres, and the Rush Fire is reported as 20 acres. Approximately 117 personnel are assigned to the complex. For additional information on the Uncles Complex call the Uncles Fire Information at 530-462-1534.
Fire officials report that the Titus Fire, Uncles Fire and the Rush Fire have the potential to increase significantly in size, which could result in more smoke over the area.
The majority of the fires on the Forest are burning in steep, rocky terrain in areas inaccessible by roads. This requires firefighters to hike considerable distances over dangerous terrain, which makes suppression efforts more difficult.
The primary objective on these and all incidents is to provide for the safety of firefighters and the public.
Slightly lower temperatures are forecasted for our area, with temperatures in the mid-90s. However, fire danger remains high to very high over most of the area. The public is reminded to be extremely careful with fire when working or playing outdoors.
Strategy Change Required
For The Uncles Complex
July 27, 2006 - Yreka - The lightning-caused Uncles Complex, located in the Marble Mountain Wilderness on the Klamath National Forest, has burned approximately 120 acres as of July 27, 2006. Of the six lightning-caused wildfires being managed as the Uncle’s Complex on the Klamath National Forest in northern California, the Uncles Fire has the greatest potential of growth. Direct fire suppression tactics were being used but can no longer be supported due to lack of fire fighting resources and extreme, steep terrain. Fire fighting resources have been withdrawn due to dangerous conditions.
A new fire, the Rush Incident, was added to the complex last night. The Rush Fire is located in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. This fire was very active yesterday and initial attack crews had to withdraw for safety reasons. At this time the fire is no eminent threat to any structures or private land. The fire is approximately 20 acres.
Incident Commander Dave Sinclear of the Norcal 1 Incident Management Team has declared the need to change strategies and tactics on managing the Uncles Fire, a 40-acre fire in the Marble Mountain Wilderness. “The Uncles Fire has been “disengaged” due to steep dangerous terrain.”
The first and most important objective for managing any wildland fires is to provide for fire fighter and public safety. If a job can’t be done in a safe manner, the job should not be done.
Numerous fires in the West have depleted the number of available resources necessary to safely and effectively manage fires. The Uncles Fire requires crews and support equipment that are in short supply.
Fire Situation Update
July 26, 2006 - Yreka – Following is the fire situation update for the Klamath National Forest and the Siskiyou Unit of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF), Wednesday, July 26, 2006.
CDF responded to two fires early this morning. The Johnson Creek Fire and the Whisky Fire are both staffed. The largest is estimated at 1 acre..
On the Klamath National Forest, a number of fires continue to burn. Many of these are small fires in remote areas of the Forest. Following is a list, with fire status for the larger fires.
Happy Camp Complex
The Happy Camp Complex on the Happy Camp/Oak Knoll Ranger District, is made up of 11 individual fires. The largest of these are the Titus Fire, Grider Fire, and Big Buck Fire.
- Titus Fire: Location-Marble Mtn Wilderness Area; Estimated size- 50 acres; Fuels- Timber, grass and understory.
- Grider Fire: Location- Grider Creek drainage; Estimated size- 20 acreas; Fuels- Timber, grass and understory.
- Big Buck Fire: Location- northwest of Happy Camp, CA; Estimated size- 7 acres; Fuels- Timber, grass and understory.
Note- An Interagency Fire Management Team will be taking command of the complex by Thursday, July 27.
Salmon/Scott River District
- Uncles Fire: Location – northwest of Sawyers Bar in the Marble Mnt. Wilderness Area; Estimated size – 30 acres; Fuels- Timber, liter and understory; Personnel – 76. The Northern California #1 Incident Management Team is in command of the Uncles Fire. Fire camp has been established at White’s Gulch. For information on the Uncles Fire call Fire Information at 530-462-1534.
- Kidder Fire: Location- Kidder Creek drainage; Estimated size- 5 acres; Fuels- Timber, grass and understory.
These fires are burning in steep, rugged terrain. Many of the fires are inaccessible by roads, which causes a delay in staffing as crews have to hike in to the fires. As always, firefighter and public safety is the number one concern in managing these fires.
More information about these and other fires may be found on the web at Inciweb.org. The site will be updated as new information becomes available.
Fire Situation Update
July 25, 2006 - Yreka - As of 4 p.m. July 25, forty-four wildland fires have been reported on the Klamath National Forest, with an additional 14 fires reported on lands protected by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CDF). The majority of the fires are small, ranging from less than an acre, to 2-5 acres. A number of the smaller, easier to reach fires have been reported as contained, or out.
On the Salmon/Scot River District, the Uncles Fire, burning approximately 8 miles northwest of Sawyers Bar in the Marble Mountain Wilderness Area, is estimated at 50 acres. The fire is burning in steep rugged terrain in the Uncles Creek drainage.
The Northern California #1 Incident Management Team began managing the Uncles Fire today. Fire camp is being established at White’s Gulch. Additional crews and engines have been ordered and should begin arriving today.
The Caribou Wildland Fire Use Complex, burning southeast of Cecilville within the Trinity Alps Wilderness Area continues to be managed to allow fire to resume its natural role in the ecosystem. The current size of the complex is 195 acres.
On the Happy Camp/Oak Knoll District, 14 fires have been confirmed. Thirteen of these fires have been grouped for management purposes to form the Happy Camp Complex.
Included in the complex, the Titus Fire is burning within the Marble Mountain Wilderness, and is estimated to be 20 to 30 acres. Other fires in the complex range from single trees to less than 5 acres.
An Incident Management team has been ordered and is scheduled to assume management of the Happy Camp Complex by Thursday, July 27.
To the east, the Goosenest Ranger District has reported 6 fires as a result of recent lightning activity. These fires have all been staffed, and most are contained.
CDF resources responded to fires throughout their coverage area, and assisted with initial attack on Forest Service and State Responsibility Area (SRA) lands. All 14 fires on lands protected by CDF have been contained and declared out.
Additional fire fighting resources have been ordered to assist with fires on the Klamath National Forest. With high initial attack activity, and as more resources arrive, fire traffic on some of the local roads may become heavy at times. Fire personnel and the public are encouraged to drive with care. As with all incidents, the number one priority is to provide for public and firefighter safety.
More information about these and other fires may be found on the web at Inciweb.org. The site will be updated as new information becomes available.
Lightning Ignites
Multiple Fires In
Klamath National Forest
July 24, 2006 - Yreka - Thunderstorms that passed through the area on July 23 ignited a number of fires on the Klamath National Forest and adjacent lands. Lightning detection satellites recorded over 1,200 strikes during the period.
As of 8 a.m. Monday July 24, twenty-two fires were reported burning on the Klamath, with 12 reported on the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District, six on the Happy Camp/Oak Knoll Ranger District, and four on the Goosenest Ranger District. The fires range in size from a single tree, with the largest estimated at 30 acres.
Some areas of the Forest did receive rain over night. However, more fires are expected to be reported throughout the day as temperatures rise. Fire management personnel are managing the fires as they are reported.
Two Type II Incident Management Teams have been ordered to assist the Forest with managing the new fires. One team will be assigned to fires on the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District, with the other assigned to the Happy Camp/Oak Knoll fires.
More information about these and other fires may be found on the web at Inciweb.org. The site will be updated as new information becomes available.
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