Update 8/01/08
Incident: Blue 2 Wildfire
Released: 8/1/2008
Friday, August 1, 2008, 9:00 a.m. On the web at: http://www.inciweb.org/
Siskiyou, Ukonom Complex Information: (530) 627-3532 www.fs.fed.us/r5/klamath
Blue 2 Information: (707) 457-3974 http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/sixriversIncid
Incident Command Post is located in Orleans, CA E-mail: ukonom.incident@gmail.com
Memorial Service for Chief Daniel Packer: A sunrise memorial service was held in honor of Chief Daniel Packer at the Ukonom Complex Incident Command Post in Orleans this morning. Over a thousand firefighters who attended felt the spirit of the fallen firefighter who died in the line of duty.
Health advisories for all areas: Area residents and visitors should be aware of very smoky conditions and low visibility throughout the area. Persons with asthma or other respiratory disease should avoid strenuous outdoor exercise or activity.
Please Slow Down: While traveling along the Highway 96 and 93 corridors as well as other roads, travelers are asked to be cautious as there will be fire fighting equipment and periods of heavy smoke in the fire areas.
SISKIYOU COMPLEX STATUSStart date:
6/21/08
Cause:
Lightning
Estimated Size:
58,556 acres
% Contained:
46%
# of Firefighters:
1,183
Injuries to date
7
Estimated Containment:
8/30/08
Closures: To protect public safety and to facilitate fire suppression efforts closures of the Dillon Creek Campground the GO Road north of Road 11N11, Dillon Creek Trails, and Roads 14N69, 13N35, 14N19, 14N38, 13N38, 11N11, 12N12, 15N38 are still in effect.
Rafting Restrictions: Rafting access to the Klamath River in the fire area is restricted.
# of 20-person hand crews:
27
# of helicopters:
4 light,
3 medium, &
3 heavy-lift
Yesterday burnout operations were successful on The Siskiyou Complex. Fire crews were able to strengthen lines and will continue burnout operations today as conditions permit. Crews are continuing to build containment lines across Lonesome Ridge and on the GO Road. Crews will continue to monitor, mop up, and patrol on all established containment lines, and begin rehab on sections of dozer line. Heavy smoke conditions persist in the Dillon Creek area of Highway 96, however the fire is not as active as the smoke would indicate. All established containment lines continue to hold.
Ukonom Complex Status
Start date:
6/20/08
Cause:
Lightning
Estimated Size:
41,271 acres
% Contained:
35%
# of Firefighters:
429
Injuries to date
6
Estimated Containment:
9/15/08
Closures: Salmon River Road (Siskiyou Co.) near Forks of Salmon Dillon Creek, Oak Bottom & Nordheimer Flat Campgrounds, Medicine Mountain Trail (5820), Wooley Creek Trail (5820), Portuguese Peak Trail (5833), Bridge Creek Trail (5816), & all trails within the Ukonom RD Marble Mountain Wilderness, Norcross and Johnson Hunting Ground Trailheads
# of 20-person hand crews:
8
# of helicopters:
2 light,
2 medium, &
2 heavy-lift
Yesterday fire crews performed burnout operations from Haypress Spike Camp north toward containment lines for the Panther fire. Operations were successful but very slow progress since the fire is not burning very actively in that area.
In many places the fire has backed down to the Salmon River Road near the Forks of Salmon. Yesterday firefighters provided structure protection to one residence and were successful in their efforts.
A remote spike camp will be established at Ahlgrens Cabin in order to minimize vehicle travel to and from the incident command post and to reduce the distance crews must hike to begin their work. The will begin to prep contingency lines in that area.
A closure remains in effect for the Salmon River Road near Somes Bar to the Forks of Salmon to the general public. Local residents will be allowed to travel this road with restrictions. Residents are strongly encourage to drive more slowly since firefighters will be working more along the road to secure the burned area and mop-up hot spots. Please slow down in this area.
Residents traveling below the fire on Salmon River Road are cautioned to slow down and be alert for firefighters, increased traffic and rolling debris from the fire.
Community Meetings: A community meeting is planned for Saturday, August 2 at 4:30 p.m. at Forks of the Salmon. Fire managers will be providing updates on the Ukonom, Siskiyou and Blue 2 fires.
Blue 2 StatusStart date:
6/20/08
Cause:
Lightning
Estimated Size:
6,504 acres
% Contained:
30%
# of Firefighters:
374
Injuries to date
2
Estimated Containment:
8/30/08
Road Closures: Forest Road 14N01 (Red Mountain Road) from Red Mountain Lookout NE to Intersection with Road 15N01 (GO Road). Road 15N01 from intersection of Road 14N01 East to its termination point. Forest Road 14N01 from intersection with Road 15N13, continuing NE to intersection with Road 15N01. Road 15N01, from intersection with Road 15N39, continuing south to its termination point. Road 15N39, from intersection with Road 15N01, continuing E to its termination point.
Trail Closures: Summit Valley Trail-3E07; South Kelsey Trail-4E06; Gunbarrel Trail-3E01; Boundary Trail-4E50.
# of 20-person hand crews:
9
# of helicopters:
3 light,
1 medium, &
2 heavy-lift
The Blue 2 also experienced very little fire growth yesterday due to higher humidity and aerial support. Burnouts operations were successful yesterday along Crescent Creek and towards Chimney Rock along the GO trail. Fire managers continue to work closely with tribal advisors to ensure firefighting activity does not harm any cultural or sensitive sites.
Panther FireFor information about the Panther Fire please call (530) 841-4451.
