CA-KNF-Salmon River Complex 14,720 acres, 95% contained. Expected containment 08/30/2013. #CaFire

CA-KNF-Salmon River Complex CA-KNF-005561 

 Reward Offered for Fire Start Information The Klamath National Forest and CAL FIRE have issued a joint announcement of a $20 000 reward being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for starting the Salmon River Complex and Butler Fires.

 Anyone with information is asked to contact the Arson Tip Line at 1-800-842-4408. 

Incident: Forks Complex (includes Butler Fire ) Wildfire
Released: 9/22/2013

Update 9/1 0900:  ALL FURTHER UPDATES AT FORKS COMPLEX http://calfire.blogspot.com/2013/09/ca-knf-forks-complex-includes-ca-srf.html
 NOW includes CA-SRF- & CA-KNF- 36,146 acres, 45% contained. 
As of August 25, 2013 at 6:00pm, the Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Department has lifted the Evacuation Advisory for the Sawyers Bar, Idlewild, and MuleBridge area.
 The Evacuation Advisory for the area along State Highway 93 (Salmon River Road) between Butler Flat and Forks of Salmon has also been lifted.
Roads:  North Fork/Sawyers Bar Road is open to the public although motorists are urged to drive with extreme caution. Highway 93 between Forks of Salmon and Somes Bar is open to the public with one-way controlled traffic. Motorist should expect delays at times and this road is also subject to temporary closures as conditions dictate.
Evacuation Advisory: North side of the Salmon River Road including the community of Sawyers Bar, and the Whites Gulch, Idlewild, and Mule Bridge campgrounds is in effect.


Salmon River Complex Fire Location, Perimeter and Hotspot Map
Update 8/29 0900: 14,720 acres, 95% contained. Expected containment 8/30. IMT 2 (Minton). Firefighters continue to mop up, patrol and repair hand lines. Suppression repair continues. Firefighters will continue to monitor the backing fire in Jackass Gulch down to the Sawyers Bar Road. NorCal Team 2 (Johnson) will assume command at 1800 hours today.
Update 8/28 1800:14,720 acres, 95% contained. Expected containment 08/30.  Minton, NORCAL1,  Fire exhibited smoldering and creeping in interior pockets. Burning operations on Sawyers Bar road produced active backing fire into Jackass Gulch. Planned actions for tomorrows shift include; mop up, patrol, and hold hand lines. Continue suppression repair. Complete backhaul of structure protection equipment. Monitor backing fire in Jackass Gulch down to Sawyers Bar road.
Update 8/28 0900: 14,720 acres, 95% contained.   Expected containment 08/28. Minton, NORCAL1,  Fire exhibited smoldering and creeping in interior pockets. Mop up, patrol, and hold hand lines. Complete backhaul of structure protection equipment. Complete burning operations in Jackass Gulch down to the Salmon River road if conditions are favorable.
Update 8/27 1900: 14,720 acres, 95% contained.  Expected containment 08/28.MintonNORCAL1, Fire exhibited smoldering and creeping in interior pockets. The Salmon Complex is now being managed under the Forks Complex. Suppression repair continues under the Suppression Repair Plan. A Forest issued area closure is in effect that incorporates the fire.
Update 8/27 0900: 14,771 acres, 95% contained.  Expected containment 08/28. Quesinberry, NIMO Backing surface fire with smoldering and creeping as fire backed down Jackass Gulch. The Salmon Complex is now being managed under the Forks Complex.  Minimal spread anticipated. Suppression repair will continue under the Suppression Repair Plan. A Forest issued area closure is in effect that incorporates the fire.
Update 8/26 0900: 14,771 acres, 95% contained. Expected containment 08/28/2013. Quesinberry, NIMO. NIMO Team (Quesinberry) assumed command of the Salmon Complex. It will be managed under the Forks Complex and continue to be reported on a separate 209. Backing surface fire with smoldering and creeping as fire backed down Jackass Gulch.  Mop up, patrol, and hold hand lines. Continue Suppression Repair. Provide structure protection around the community of Sawyers Bar, including daily sprinkler system maintenance and testing. Continue fire suppression repair.
Update 8/25 1900: 14,771 acres, 95% contained. Expected containment 08/28/2013. IMT 2 (Wakoski). Transfer of command to NIMO (Quesinberry) will occur at 1800. Backing surface fire with smoldering and creeping and occasional torching as fire backed down Jackass Gulch. Mop up, patrol, and hold hand lines. Structure protection will continue around the community of Sawyers Bar, including daily sprinkler system maintenance and testing.
Update 8/25 0900: 14,547 acres, 95% contained. IMT 2 (Wakoski). Mop up, patrol, and hold hand lines. Structure defense will continue around the community of Sawyers Bar, including daily sprinkler system maintenance and testing. Continue fire suppression damage repair. Red Flag Warning in effect until 1700 hours Sunday for abundant Lightning with dry fuels.
Update 8/24 1900:14,547 acres, 95% contained. Expected containment 08/25/2013. IMT 2 (Wakoski). Crews observed an active backing surface fire with occasional torching. Crews will continue to mop up and patrol along constructed handlines.
Update 8/24 0900: 14,547 acres, 95% contained. IMT 2 (Wakoski). Mop up, patrol, and hold hand lines. Structure defense will continue around the community of Sawyers Bar, including daily sprinkler system maintenance and testing. Continue fire suppression damage repair. Red Flag Warning in effect until 1700 hours Sunday for abundant Lightning with dry fuels.
Update 8/23 1900: 14,377 acres, 95% contained. Expected containment has been moved up to 8/25/2013. 
Update 8/23 0900: 14,377 acres, 95% containment. Expected containment 8/23/2013. IMT 2 (Wakoski). Fire continues to back into Jackass Gulch. Continued consumption of unburned interior fuels throughout the fire area are being monitored
Update 8/21 0900: 14,335 acres, 95% contained. Expected containment 8/22/2013. IMT 2 (Wakoski). Mop up, patrol and holding of firelines continues.
Update 8/21 0900: 14,325 acres, 85% contained. Expected containment 8/21/2013. IMT 2 (Wakoski). Creeping and smoldering in heavy fuels was observed overnight. Mop up and patrol continues on secured handline. Fire continues to back into the east side of Jackass Gulch, consuming unburned interior fuels. The fire received light precipitation late yesterday.
Update 8/20 1900: 14,325 acres, 85% contained. Expected containment 8/21/2013. SOCAL 3, Wakoski. Fire continues to back into the east side of Jackass Gulch. Active backing with isolated tree torching and roll out occurred today. Heavy smoke continues to limit aerial support and reconnaissance.
Update 8/20 0900: 14,171 acres, 85% contained. Expected containment 8/21/2013. SOCAL Team 3, Wakoski assumed command at 0600 hours this morning. Fire is creeping and smoldering in heavy fuels. Mop up and patrol continues. Evacuation advisory for the area is still in effect.
Update 8/19 0900: 14,171 acres, 85% contained.  Estimated containment: 08/19/2013. California IMT Team 1, McGowan. Creeping and smoldering in heavy dead and down fuels was observed overnight. Mop up, patrol, and hold handlines. Structure defense will continue around the community of Sawyers Bar, including daily sprinkler system maintenance and testing.
Update 8/18 1900: 14,171 acres, 85% contained.  Estimated containment now: 08/28/2013. California IMT Team 1, McGowan. Active backing with isolated single tree torching and roll out. Planned actions include; mop up, patrol, and hold handlines. Structure defense will continue around the community of Sawyers Bar, including daily sprinkler system maintenance and testing. Continue burning out on Tanners Peak Ridge.
Update 8/18 0900: 13,002 acres, 80% contained.  California IMT Team 1, McGowan. Estimated containment: 08/19/2013.
The fire will continue to back into the east side of Jackass Gulch and continued consumption of unburned interior fuels will occur throughout the fire area.
Update 8/17 0900: 13,002 acres, 65% contained. Estimated containment 8/18/2013. Creeping and smoldering in heavy dead and down fuels was observed overnight. Planned actions for today include; Mop up, patrol, and hold handline to reduce the threat of spot fires. Deepen the burn out along Tanner Ridge to Jackass Gulch. Patrol and hold handline from the 51 road downhill towards Sawyers Bar Road.
Update 8/16 0900: 13,002 acres, 60% contained. Burnout continues to secure the fire's edge towards the southwest and down Tanner Ridge. Mop up and patrol continues on handline from 51 Road downhill to Sawyers Bar Road. Structure defense continues around the community of Sawyers Bar. Forest closure remains in effect, along with an evacuation advisory along the north side of Sawyers Bar Road.
Update 8/15 0900: 12,021 acres, 55% contained. Firefighters will continue firing operations in the area of China Gulch and the west side of Neilon Gulch to keep the fire within containment lines. Mop up continues along existing containment lines. Structure defense will continue around the community of Sawyers Bar. Forest closures remain in effect.
Update 8/14 0900: 11,903 acres, 55% contained. Estimated containment 8/18, 2013. Moderate resistance to control due to heavy dead and down fuels. Narrow roads with little to no access to the fire area. Heavy smoke is limiting aerial support and reconnaissance and continues to affect local communities. Group tree torching, short crown runs, and moderate range spotting is expected to continue.
Update 8/13 0900: 11,161 acres, 45% contained. Estimated containment date: 08/15/2013. The complex’s aerial resources assisted the Klamath National Forest with initial attack on the Razor Fire.  On the west side above China Gulch, firefighters will continue firing operations to keep the fire within the containment line and the Salmon River Road.  Along the east side west of Neilon Gulch firefighters will conduct firing operations along the established hand line towards the Salmon River Road.
Update 8/13 0900: 10,889 acres, 45% contained. On the west side, above China Gulch, firefighters will hold and improve established line, monitor the fires progress, and conduct firing operations to keep the fire within the containment line and the Salmon River Road. Along the east side, west of Neilon Gulch, firefighters will conduct firing operations along the established handline towards the Salmon River Road. Around the community of Sawyers Bar, structure protection and daily sprinkler system tests are planned along with mop-up to a depth of 150 feet along the Salmon River Road. Salmon River Complex firefighters and aerial resources have been delegated responsibility for initial attack.
Update 8/12 1900: 10,310 acres, 45% contained. On the west side, above China Gulch and along the Salmon River Road, firefighters will monitor the fires progress and conduct firing operations to keep the fire contained within the established dozer line and the Salmon River Road. Along the east side, west of Neilon Gulch, firefighters will conduct firing operations to contain the fire along the established handline towards the Salmon River Road. Engines will patrol the Salmon River Road throughout the operational shift. Salmon River Complex firefighters and aerial resources have been delegated responsibility for initial attack
Todays’s Update: Last night, crews patrolled and continued preparations around Sawyers Bar, Idlewild and Mule Bridge. Two minor injuries occurred yesterday. Today, crews will continue structure protection, patrols and fireline construction along Sawyers Bar Road, also constructing indirect line along the west flank of the fire. Firefighters will continue to take advantage of today’s moderate fire behavior and construct direct line along the north edge in Specimen and Jackass Creeks. Crews will chip slash to clear contingency lines ahead of the fire at Mule Bridge, Idlewild and Swayers Bar. Due to predicted lightning activity levels, team resources will prepare for initial attack on the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District north of the North Fork Salmon River within the district boundary. A Red Flag Warning is in effect until 11:00 p.m. today for dry thunderstorms and associated erratic winds. Evacuations: An Evacuation Advisory is in effect for all residents along the North Fork Salmon River from Kelly Gulch to Idlewild and Mule Bridge to the Marble Mountain Wilderness Boundary. See http://inciweb.org/incident/article/3575/19865/ for more information on the evacuation advisory. The Siskiyou County Sheriff’s Office and the Office of Emergency Services are working with fire managers to assure close communication and coordination. An evacuation center has been established by the Red Cross at Etna Union High School, 400 Howell Avenue, Etna. Domestic pets may also be taken to the high school where kennels will be available. Large animals may be taken to the Dean McBroom Ranch at 1442 Sawyers Bar Road, Etna. Call 530-467-3711. For tips on how to prepare for an evacuation and what to do if you are evacuated, residents are encouraged to visit the “Ready, Set, Go” Website at http://www.readyforwildfire.org/.
Fire Behavior and Smoke:
Last night, fire behavior was limited to creeping and smoldering with most of the heat being retained in heavy fuels and stumps. Today, due to scattered precipitation occurring yesterday afternoon, the fire is expected to have limited spread northeasterly into Sawmill Gulch; easterly beyond Tanners Peak; and westerly towards Big Creek. All communities near the fires should expect to be impacted by smoke. For information on smoke conditions, visit http://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/AG/apc.aspx,http://app.airsis.com/usfs/fleet.aspx or http://www.airnow.gov/.
Smoke can pose health concerns. Residents are encouraged to visit the “Protect Yourself from Smoke” Website for smoke protection information at http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Wildfires/.
Closures:
A portion of the Klamath National Forest near the fire area is closed to public entry. See the Klamath National Forest Website at http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5430601.pdffor a description and map.Sawyer’s Bar Road is closed to public traffic from Etna Summit to the Forks of Salmon. Residents, with proof of residency, will be allowed through the closure. Residents may encounter one-way traffic control within the closure area. The Salmon River Road is closed west of Forks of Salmon.
For information on the Orleans Complex (Butler Fire), please call 530-618-2101
Salmon River PIO Map
Update 8/9 1900:  9,700 acres, 16% contained. Significant progress was made constructing hand line along the northeast side of the fire, in addition to the completion of indirect line along the west side. Forest closures remain in effect. Evacuation advisory along Salmon River Road including the community of Sawyers Bar, and the Whites Gulch, Idlewild and Mule Bridge campgrounds remains in effect.
Update 8/9 0900: 9,188 acres, 16% contained. Forest closures are in effect. Evacuation advisory along the north side of the Salmon River Road including the community of Sawyers Bar, and the Whites Gulch, Idlewild, and Mule Bridge campgrounds is in effect.
Update 8/8 1900: 9,005 acres, 16% contained. Fire behavior moderated, with isolated single tree torching on the west side and active surface fire on the east side. The community of Sawyers Bar, as well as Red Bank, Whites Gulch, Idlewild and Mule Bridge campgrounds continue to be threatened.
Update 8/8 0900: 8,927 acres, 16% contained. Fire continues to spread into Sawmill Gulch, South Fork of Cherry Creek and across Big Creek.
Update 8/7 0900: 7,182 acres, 16% contained. The fire is expected to spread to the northeast approximately one quarter of a mile due to topographic features and predicted southerly winds.
Update 8/6 1900: 6,686 acres, 16% contained. The Boulder and Shelly Fires are expected to combine into one fire. The fire is expected to spread to the northeast approximately one quarter of a mile into the head of Jackass Gulch due to topographic features and predicted southerly winds.
Update 8/6 0900: 5,252 acres 4% contained. At risk are the private residences and infrastructure in the Little North Fork.
Update 8/5 0900: 3,827 acres 4% contained.
Update 8/4 1900: 
Salmon River ComplexCA-KNF-005561Type: WFStart: 07/31/2013 2230Cause: HPriority:
Overhead Team Name: Jerry McGowanOrganization: Type 1 TeamLocal:GACC:
Size:
2,884 ACRES
% Cnt/MMA:
5 %
Est Contain:
NR
Latitude:
41° 18´ 0"
Longitude:
123° 8´ 6"
Location: 4 miles west of the town of Sawyers Bar, Salmon River$$ Costs to Date: $1,400,000
Structures Threatened: 1 COMM , 29 PRIM , 20 OUTBStructures Destroyed: NONE
Resources Committed:Total Personnel: 632Report Date: Aug 04, 2013 0600
AgencyCRW1CRW2HEL1HEL2HEL3ENGSOVHD
BLM0000002
LGR00000029
NPS0000003
PRI0310000
ST120000205
USFS42231754
Significant Events: Continuing structure defense actions in the Little North Fork and Sawyers Bar Community. Contingency planning for community of Sawyers Bar and continued fire movement. Scouting direct and indirect line on western flank of the Boulder Fire and eastern flank of Shelly Fire.Remarks: ICP relocation to Etna will be completed today. Coordination between this incident and the Butler Fire continue to achieve efficiency and mission success.
Observed Fire Behavior: Low intensity surface fire with single tree torching and short range spotting.
Planned Actions: Continue structure defense actions on private residences. Scouting direct, indirect contingency line options. Public meeting planned at 1800 in Sawyers Bar.
Update 8/4 0900:  2,884 acres 5% contained.
Update 8/3 0900: 2,004 acres 5% contained., Northern Spotted Owl habitat  cultural and natural resources and a historic structure
Update 8/3 0900: CA-KNF 1,604 acres, 5% contained. Fire is located in steep rugged terrain with poor access. California IMT 1 McGowan will assume command at 0600 on 8/4.

Update 8/2 0900: 1,600 acres, 5% contained. California Interagency Incident Management Team 1 (McGowan) has been mobilized to the Salmon River Complex in Northern California.  Boulder Fire and Shelly Fire are still actively burning at 800 acres each.
Update 1900:  1,200 acres, 5% contained. Steep rugged terrain and poor access is hampering suppression efforts.
Update 0900: Complex contains 5 fires and is located near Sawyers Bar. Shelly Fire, 50 acres, 0% contained; Boulder Fire, 30 acres, 0% contained; three additional fires between 0.25 - 1 acre, 100% contained
Update 8/4 0900: The community meeting in Sawyers Bar last night was well attended with approximately 70 local residents.
The fires were under a smoke inversion layer most of the day yesterday which limited the use of aircraft and the ability of fire managers to get an aerial view of the fires. An aircraft used infrared photography last night to aid in mapping the fire perimeter and intensity.
Firefighters will continue structure defense actions on private structures today in Little North Fork and Sawyers Bar. Contingency planning for the community of Sawyers Bar continues. Crews will continue looking for opportunities to construct direct and indirect fire line on the west side of the Boulder Fire and east side of the Shelly Fire throughout the day.
Fire Behavior and Smoke:
All communities near the fire should expect to be impacted by smoke. The high pressure over the fire area is predicted to continue for the next several days. For information on smoke conditions, visit this website http://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/AG/apc.aspx
Smoke can pose health concerns. Residents are encouraged to visit the “Protect Yourself from Smoke” website for smoke protection information at http://www.cdc.gov/Features/Wildfires/.
Evacuations: Currently there are no evacuation orders.
Closures: A portion of the Klamath National Forest near the fire area is closed to public entry. See their website for a description and map http://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5430601.pdf
Sawyer’s Bar Road is closed to public traffic from Etna Summit to the Forks of the Salmon. Residents, with proof of residency, will be allowed through the closure. Residents may encounter one-way traffic control within the closure area. The Salmon River Road is closed west of the Siskiyou County Road yard.
For information on the Orleans Complex (Butler Fire), please call 530-618-2101.
Basic Information
Incident Type Wildfire
Cause Human Caused
Date of Origin Wednesday July 31st, 2013 approx. 10:30 PM
Location Sawyers Bar, CA
Incident Commander Jerry Mcgowan
Current Situation
Total Personnel 668
Size 3,827 acres
Percent Contained 4%
Fuels Involved Timber
Fire Behavior - Low intensity surface fire with single tree torching and short range spotting.
Significant Events - Continuing structure defense actions in the Little North Fork and Sawyers Bar communities.
Outlook/Planned Actions - Continue structure defense actions on private residents. Scouting direct and indirect contigency lines.
Growth Potential - High
Terrain Difficulty - Extreme
Remarks - Coordination between this incident and the Butler fire continues to achieve efficiency and mission success. Evacuation plans are being finalized for Sawyers Bar.
Current Weather
Wind Conditions 2 mph W
Temperature 68 degrees
Humidity 25%

.
Yesterday evening multiple fires started along the Salmon River near Sawyers Bar. Most were contained early and kept small. Two grew to significant size over the night. The cause of these fires is under investigation.
Boulder Fire - 10 acres. 
Shelly Fire - 60 acres.

Road Closures: Highway 93 is closed near Butler Flat for fire debris rolling across the road. Klamath National Forest Fire personnel ask motorists to use caution when traveling in the area.

Incident Overview As of 6 a.m. Aug. 1, the Boulder Fire was about 10 acres. The Shelly Fire was about 60 acres.
Fifty-three personnel, 10 engines and one water-tender worked through the night containing three fires and constructing line on the Boulder and Shelly fires. Multiple air resources, including retardant tanker planes, are planned to join the effort today if smoke allows.


The Shelly Fire is of the most concern at this time. It is burning in timber fuels on steep, difficult terrain.

Basic Information
Incident Type - Wildfire
Date of Origin - Wednesday July 31st, 2013 approx. 07:00 PM
Cause - under investigation.
Location - Sawyers Bar, CA
Current Situation
Total Personnel
 - 53
Size - 60 acres
Fuels Involved Timber
Terrain - steep, difficult 
Outlook/Planned Actions Line construction and containment. Air resources ordered.
Terrain Difficulty Difficult
---------------------------------------------