Goff Fire Update for Sept. 3, 2012
Incident: Fort Complex Wildfire
Released: 9/3/2012
Fort Complex / Goff Fire Information Update - Monday, September 3, 2012
The top priority on the Goff Fire is containment along the western perimeter. Currently, the most critical section is from Tim's Peak to Four Mile Butte. The fireline that has been constructed on the upper and lower sections of the western perimeter is holding. Fire spread is mostly from spot fires caused by rolling material. As the warming and drying trend continues this week, there will be increased open flame and tree torching.
Drivers are urged to use caution, especially on Highway 96 west of Seiad Valley where there will be more heavy equipment on the road coming and going to the fire and varying amounts of smoke affecting visibility.
WESTERN PERIMETER - The fire made a run to the north yesterday in a drainage above Tim's Peak. This created an advantage for firefighters by reducing fuels and putting the fire in a position that could be more safely engaged. However, in some places, the fire crossed the ridge and began slowly backing downslope to the west. While the fire is still on the upper slopes where fuels are more sparse, firefighters will be using direct attack to establish containment lines and keep the fire east of Thompson Creek. The extensive air support used on Sunday will continue if weather and smoke conditions remain favorable. Equipment is also being moved to Thompson Ridge Road where brush clearing is in progress to build a contingency line west of the fire. Dozers are building another contingency line from Tim's Peak to Thompson Ridge Road, working from both directions.
NORTHERN PERIMETER -The fire continues to hold along the northern perimeter from Kanagroo Mt. to just east of Goff Butte. Helispots have been established on this side of the fire, which will allow helicopters to shuttle firefighters and supplies or respond to a medical emergency if necessary. Two crews will be working to hold the northwest corner of the fire with the goal of keeping the fire south of Applegate Creek. Additional crews will be arriving soon to build fireline along the rest of the northern perimeter. Brush clearing is also in progress along Forest Road 1040 to develop a contingency line north of the fire.
SOUTHERN & EASTERN PERIMETERS - Firefighters will continue patrolling the southern and eastern perimeters.
Closures & Fire Restrictions
Multiple trail closures are in effect including portions of the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Please check the closure information posted on InciWeb at: www.inciweb.org/incident/3117/ , on the Klamath National Forests website at: www.fs.usda.gov/klamath and on the Rogue-River Siskiyou National Forest website at www.fs.usda.gov/rogue-siskiyou. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is also in effect.
Goff Fire Summary:
Size: 20, 941 acres, Containment: 17 %, Date Started: August 5, 2012, Cause: Lighting
Injuries to date: 8, Resources: 11 engines, 21 hand crews, 14 water tenders, 9 helicopters, 5 dozers
A smoke advisory has been issued by Siskiyou County - http://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us More detailed fire information is available on the internet at www.inciweb.org. The Klamath National Forest is in fire restrictions. Forest visitors are reminded to use care while in the Forest and please check the Forest websites at: http://www.fs.usda.gov/klamath/ or with a Forest Service station for local conditions.
