Approximate Location
Incident Overview
The Backbone Fire has now been turned over to the Six Rivers National Forest to manage suppression repair. The Incident Command Post will shutdown at noon on Friday, July 24, 2009. Inciweb will only be updated periodically to provide an overview and status of the suppression repair work. There will be no more daily updates. Thanks to all of our stakeholders and local communities for your support during this fire!
The Backbone Fire is burning on the Shasta-Trinity and Six Rivers National Forests approximately 12 miles northeast of Willow Creek in the Trinity Alps Wilderness. Formerly called the Lower Trinity 17, on the Six Rivers National Forest, the fire was one of many ignited by lightning on the evening of July first. Firefighters quickly extinguished most of the fires. The remaining lightning fires have all been declared controlled and contained at this time. Backbone was the only fire that continued to grow, until it overtook and combined with the Trinity Fire that was located on the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.The Red Spot Fire, north of Backbone, was discovered on July 6.
Due to the complexity of the fire situation the Atlanta based National Incident Management Organization (NIMO) assumed command of the fire on Wednesday July 8th. The fire is burning within the footprint of the 1999 Megram Fire. Standing dead snags, dead and down logs are actively burning on exposed southwest facing slopes.
Forest Service officials are working closely with the Hoopa Tribe and keeping tribal members and fire service personnel updated on the Backbone Fire. Protection of cultural sites within the fire area is a priority.
Rafting in Willow Creek is still permitted. There is a "No Stop Zone" from the mouth of Willow Creek to one mile downriver. Visitors are asked to float through with caution, due to the helibase located there. Rafting and rafting guide services are still operating. In the interim Kimtu Beach access will be open. Hawkins Bar free day use river access is also open.
Roads and trails in the fire area are now closed to the public. The Horse Ridge National Recreation Trail, Salmon Summit National Scenic Trail, and Mill Creek, Tish Tang, and Red Cap trails are now closed, as well as Bear Hole, Grizzly Camp and the Willow Creek Big Rock Day Use Area and river access.
Basic Information
| Incident Type | Wildfire |
|---|---|
| Cause | Lightning |
| Date of Origin | Wednesday July 01st, 2009 approx. 05:00 PM |
| Location | Trinity Alps Wilderness |
| Incident Commander | George Custer |
Current Situation
| Total Personnel | 141 |
|---|---|
| Size | 6,324 acres |
| Percent Contained | 90% |
| Estimated Containment Date | Friday July 24th, 2009 approx. 12:00 AM |
| Fuels Involved | 10 Timber (10)--litter and understory. Heavy accumulation of dead and down fuels as well as standing dead snags. The fire is burning in a high severity area of the Megram Fire. |
| Fire Behavior | Minimal fire behavior was observed, mainly pockets of heavy fuels well within containment lines. |
| Significant Events | The National incident management Team is shutting down camp operations at noon today. |
Outlook
| Planned Actions | One crew will remain on the fire to monitor a critical point along the line. |
|---|---|
| Growth Potential | Low growth potential |
| Terrain Difficulty | Difficulty of terrain is extreme |
| Remarks | The Six Rivers Type 3 organization is now managing suppression repair work and monitoring. The incident has SRF acres+ 1781 Backbone and 2 on the Redspot, SHF acres 3414 Backbone and 1120 Redspot, and KNF 7 Redspot. Backbone total 5195 acres Redspot 1129 acres. |
Current Weather
| Wind Conditions | 6 mph NE |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 63 degrees |
| Humidity | 43% |
