Multiple wildfires are currently burning in various counties across Northern California as a result of dry lightning strikes that began last week. These fires pose a threat to many rural communities, with several evacuation orders in place. One of the largest fires is the Smith River complex in Del Norte County, estimated to cover around 28,700 acres. During the night shift on the Lone Pine fire, a firefighter suffered severe injuries after being struck by a falling tree. They have undergone two successful surgeries and remain in intensive care. An inquiry has been launched to determine the cause of the incident.
Diego Rivera, a member of the Little Tujunga IHC, is believed to be the injured firefighter. A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for his medical expenses, surpassing $75,000 as of now. Rivera was amongst the firefighters battling the Lone Pine Fire, which is currently spreading south of Hoopa into the Horse Linto Creek watershed. The firefighting efforts aim to push the fire towards the Trinity River. The blaze currently covers approximately 1,624 acres.
Neighboring communities are also affected by smoke, with the North Coast Unified Air Quality Management District reporting “very unhealthy” levels in Weitchpec, Hoopa, and Willow Creek. The Pearch fire in the Orleans area, estimated at 981 acres, has prompted the reestablishment of fire lines from 2006. Residents in the Orleans community are planning volunteer work days to assist firefighters in creating defensible space around structures. An evacuation warning has been issued for two zones near the Pearch fire.
In the parks, a fire in the Lost Man Creek Watershed, which has the potential to spread to old growth, is currently burning in a second-growth forest. Firefighters are working on creating a shaded fuel break along Holter Ridge Road. The “Lost” fire, covering 351 acres, remains 0% contained. However, the other two fires in the parks are fully contained. The total acreage of the lightning complex stands at 4,435, with a 15% containment rate. This complex includes multiple fires in Six Rivers National Forest and three wildfires in Redwood National and State Parks.
At the Smith River Complex, which consists of 12 fires, firefighters are facing challenges due to the extremely steep and rugged terrain of the Six Rivers National Forest. The complex covers a total of 28,700 acres. The Kelly and Holiday fires are the largest in this complex, with the former causing the closure of a section of US Highway 199. This terrain, combined with abnormal weather conditions, makes firefighting efforts more difficult than usual. The vegetation in the area is unusually dry, leading to resistant fires due to below-average rainfall this year. Evacuations have been ordered, and a shelter has been set up at the Del Norte County Fairgrounds.
The Happy Camp complex in Siskiyou County has resulted in the evacuation of hundreds of people, with nine structures destroyed and two damaged. The complex covers a total of 10,507 acres. Tragically, one fatality has been reported, and authorities are investigating the circumstances. Two new fires sparked on Sunday due to additional lightning activity. The Head Fire is the largest fire in the area. While lightning is the likely cause of these fires, investigations are still ongoing. The containment of the complex remains at 0%. Portions of the Pacific Crest Trail and the National Forest have been closed.
In the South Fork Complex, evacuation warnings have been issued for two zones. The fires in this complex are located in areas with steep and rugged terrain, with many drought-stressed and dead trees, posing hazards to firefighters. The Shasta Trinity National Forest emphasizes the danger posed by unstable trees and falling branches.
For more information on evacuation orders and closures, please refer to the respective official websites.
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