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Fires to Humboldt’s East Continue to Blaze
H
eavy smoke largely blanketed the handful of fires burning to Humboldt County’s east Aug. 23 and Aug. 24, reducing fire activity and aiding firefighting efforts. Crews reported progress — from increased containment to the implementation of community safety plans — on all four fires, to varying degrees. A total of 3,654 people have been deployed from various agencies to work the fires, which now combine to span nearly 380,000 acres, bringing evacuation orders and warnings to nearby communities and a host of impacts as far west as the coast. State Route 299 is still closed in Trinity County with no timetable for reopening and State Route 36 is closed from the junction at State Route 3 to Bowman Road. Air quality will continue to be impacted by smoke, with an advisory in place for communities in eastern Humboldt. As a precautionary measure with resources already stretched, the U.S. Forest Service has temporarily closed nine National Forests, including Klamath, Mendocino, Shasta-Trinity and Six Rivers. Here’s a brief look at each of the first burning near Humboldt and what you need to know. Check www.northcoastjournal.com for regular updates.
The Fires The Monument Fire, 152,125 acres, 20 percent contained Located a half mile west of Big Bar along State Route 299 east of Willow Creek, the Monument Fire was sparked by lightning on July 30 and saw modest growth Aug. 23 and Aug. 24, bringing it to more than 152,000 acres. Fire crews were working to hold containment lines protecting Hawkins Bar and Trinity Village to the northwest, Hyampom to the south
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and Weaverville to the fire’s northeast, while crews also did inspections, advising residents on how to best prepare their properties. Fire activity has fluctuated with the wind, especially along the Trinity River Basin, sometimes causing spot fires as far as a mile from the fire line amid extremely dry conditions. According to CalFire, 50 structures had been destroyed as of Aug. 24.
The McFarland Fire, 118,624 acres, 71 percent contained Sparked by lightning July 29 on McFarland Ridge south of State Route 36, the fire is burning in timberlands with fuels with historically low moisture levels in an area that hasn’t burned in more than 50 years. Crews continued to gain a hold on the fire Aug. 23, when it grew little more than 500 acres and containment was increased from 68 percent to 71 percent, thanks in a large part to favorable conditions. As the Journal went to press, crews continued to prioritize contingency containment lines along the north side of State Route 36. A damage assessment found 46 structures — including 24 residences — destroyed in the blaze.
River Complex 2021, 86,782 acres, 10 percent contained Located in the Salmon/Scott River Ranger District of the Klamath National Forest, the complex consists of multiple lightning fires sparked in dry timber and brush on July 30. The full complex includes 22 fires, six of which have been fully contained. Favorable conditions Aug. 23 allowed crews to strengthen contingency lines and implement structure defense plans for fire-threatened communities.
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An active burn area in the McFarland Fire, which was sparked by lightning July 29. U.S. Forest Service
The McCash Fire: 21,732 acres, 0 percent containment Sparked by lightning on July 31, the McCash Fire is burning near Somes Bar in the Marble Mountain Wilderness in Siskiyou County in an area of timber growth with an understory of tall grass and brush. It grew by about 2,000 acres Aug. 23 but some of that was attributed to more accurate mapping rather than fire growth.
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Crews continue to work day and night to protect structures along the State Route 96 corridor, specifically in the Ti Bar and Patterson areas. The fire threatens significant cultural sites for the Karuk Tribe, as well as some structures on private lands. The current estimated containment date is Sept. 29. — Thadeus Greenson POSTED 08.24.21 Read the full story online.
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northcoastjournal.com • Thursday, Aug. 26, 2021 • NORTH COAST JOURNAL
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