Elk Complex Update 7/22/07
Incident: Elk Complex Wildland Fire
Released: 7/22/2007
ELK FIRE COMPLEX UPDATE
July 22, 2007
Total Complex Acreage: 8,337 acres
Incident Resources: 1,172 personnel
Total Complex Containment: 20%
Expected Full Containment: 7/29/2007
Cost to Date: $7,127,036
Injuries to Date (minor): 7
Structures Threatened: 550
The top priority is the protection of the Happy Camp, Hamburg, and Elk Creek communities. Yesterday, crews made great progress constructing fireline (see list below). If conditions allow, a burn operation may occur on the Little Grider fire today - it is likely that smoke from the burn will affect Happy Camp and other areas. The purpose of today's burn is to remove fuel and secure the area west of Happy Camp.
As conditions dry, the fires will become noticeably more active. Smoke from the fires will become more visible and health issues may again be of concern.
Complex Fire Details
Of the thirty identified fires in the Elk Complex, 24 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 (1,303 acres) 30% contained, crews are planning to begin burning in 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 (2779 acres): 5 % contained, firefighters are planning to work directly on the fire's edge.
- Wingate (914 acres) 5% contained
- Elk Fire (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 (80 acres) 0% contained
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) 841-4451.
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