Elk Fire Complex Update 7/18/07
Incident: Elk Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/18/2007
ELK FIRE COMPLEX UPDATE
July 18, 2007
Total Complex Acreage: 8,250 acres Incident Resources: 1,227 personnel
Total Complex Containment: 15% Expected Full Containment: 7/29/2007
Cost to Date: $3,500,000 Injuries to Date: 6
Structures Threatened: 506
Protecting the community of Happy Camp is the top priority. Yesterday there was good progress on the Little Grider Fire and the Titus Fire because of the improvement and widening of the defensive lines.
Approximately 150 people attended a public meeting held at the Grange in Happy Camp last night. Topics included a fire update and an introduction of the incoming incident management team.
Last night's significant rainfall has helped fire-fighting efforts by modifying fire behavior. However, firing operations were halted because the moisture did not allow fuels to burn. The effects of the rain will be short lived due to the predicted warming and drying weather pattern.
Complex Fire Details (acreage as of July 17):
Little Grider Fire (approx. 1032 acres): There is a fortified containment line near residences. The fire continues to burn down hill towards Perkins Gulch. Last night efforts were made to complete a firing operation in Perkins Gulch, but rain halted its progress.
Titus Fire (approx. 1856 acres): A fire line halted the northern spread of the fire yesterday. It is also holding well because of a recent firing operation. There is a mandatory evacuation for homeowners, campers, and miners from Five Mile Bridge to Norcross Campground on the Elk Creek Road. Lines have been constructed around structures.
King Creek II Fire (approx. 2243 acres): The fire is progressing towards the Titus Fire and is backing into King Creek.
Wingate: The fire spread an additional 1.5 miles.
Elk Fire (approx. 1215 acres): The northern progress of the fire has been stopped. A trail system is being prepared to guide the fire into the wilderness.
Tom Martin Fire (approx. 40 acres): Fire contained.
Clear Fire (approx. 10 acres): Fire contained.
The remaining small fires will continue to be monitored, patrolled and staffed as resources allow.
Evacuation Planning:
The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Department has taken steps to locate an evacuation center at Seiad Elementary School in the event evacuation becomes necessary. Individuals with special needs, such as those requiring mobility assistance, need to notify the Sheriff's Office ahead of time.
In the event of an evacuation, small animals will be accepted at Seiad Elementary and large animals may be taken to the Karuk Ranch at China Grade Road at the two-mile marker. All animal owners are asked to be responsible for the feeding and care of their pets at both locations.
Additional Fire Information: http://www.inciweb.org/ (including other fires) or (530) 493-1519. Please go to the Klamath NF website for more information on restrictions and trail closures at www.fs.fed.us/r5/klamath/conditions/.
