Elk Complex Update 7-21-2007
Incident: Elk Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/21/2007
ELK FIRE COMPLEX UPDATE
July 20, 2007
Total Complex Acreage: 8,327 acres Incident Resources: 1,248 personnel
Total Complex Containment: 18% Expected Full Containment: 7/29/2007
Cost to Date: $5,300,000 Injuries to Date (minor): 6
Structures Threatened: 550
The top priority is the protection of the Happy Camp, Hamburg, and Elk Creek communities. Yesterday, crews made great progress and constructed ten miles of fireline (see list below).
Moisture from the recent rain helped in the firefighting effort. However, the respite was short lived. As conditions dry, the fire is becoming noticeably more active and trees have started torching. Smoke from the fires will become more visible and health issues may again be of concern.
As conditions change, local communities will be updated regularly. The public is invited to attend another informational meeting at the Happy Camp Grange Friday at 7 p.m.
A new call center with the latest information has been established in the Klamath National Forest Supervisor's Office at (530) 841-4451.
For information on smoke or air quality, please call Siskiyou County Air Pollution
Control District at (530) 841-4025 or visit them on the web at http://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/agcomm/airpollution.htm
Complex Fire Details
Of the thirty identified fires in the Elk Complex, 23 fires are 100% contained. The fires will continue to be monitored, patrolled and staffed as resources allow. The remaining seven fires are as follows:
Little Grider Fire (approx. 1298 acres) 10% contained, crews are constructing direct line on the northwest, southwest and west portions of the fire. The plan is still to burn the Perkins Creek area in order to secure the eastern perimeter and provide a buffer to the community from the fire.
King Creek II Fire (approx. 2779 acres): 5 % contained, firefighters are planning to work directly on the fire's edge.
Wingate (approx. 909 acres) 0% contained
Elk Fire (approx. 1166 acres) 0% contained
Titus Fire (approx. 2026 acres): 5% contained. There is also a recommended evacuation for homeowners, campers, and miners from Five Mile Bridge to Norcross Campground on the Elk Creek Road. Firelines have been constructed around structures.
Hummingbird Fire (approx. 80 acres) 0% contained
Walker Fire (approx. 1 acre) 95% contained
The remaining small fires will continue to be monitored, patrolled and staffed as resources allow.
Evacuation Planning:
The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office 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.
Sources of info include:
http://www.inciweb.org/ (including other fires) or the incident information office at (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/.
