Antelope Fire brings smoke and ash to basin
/Antelope Fire. August 4, 2021. (Image: Inciweb)
FIRE DETAILS
Cause:
Lightning
Size:
2,700 Acres
Containment: n/a
Location:
Antelope Creek Drainage
Klamath National Forest
41.521 latitude, -121.919 longitude
Personnel: 275
Fuels:
Mixed conifer transitioning to ponderosa pine with a sage bitterbrush understory
Coverage of the 2021 Wildfire Season is brought to you by Ace Towing.
TENNANT, Calif. - The Antelope Fire was first discovered on Sunday, August 1, 2021, in the Antelope Creek drainage on the Goosenest Ranger District is making a significant run today in the Klamath National Forest [maps below]. Smoke and ash from the Antelope Fire can be seen blanketing cars and choking the air of the Klamath Basin.
The Antelope Fire was one of several lightning-caused fires that occurred last weekend as a result of thunderstorms passing through the area.
Firefighters are implementing a full suppression strategy to keep the fire footprint as small as possible. Both day and night shifts are operational around the fire area as firefighters directly attack the fire using a combination of dozers, handline, and retardant.
The primary emphasis is protection for threatened structures, residences, ranches, cabins, and lookouts in surrounding communities.
Antelope Fire. August 4, 2021. (Image: Inciweb)
Fire activity increases, moves toward Tennant
Firefighters on the Antelope Fire have reported that the fire is very active this afternoon with fire in the upper tree canopy. Spot fires have been observed 1/2 mile ahead of the main fire.
At this time, air resources are unavailable to assist with the firefight due to poor visibility.
The fire is currently moving north and is impacting the area of southwest Tennant and Fish Camp. Resources are in place to protect values at risk ahead of the fire. Some structures may have been impacted, although the type, location, and number of structures are unknown at this time.
Regional satellite loop shows the fires of Northern California creating much smoke that winds are blowing northward into the Klamath Basin and all of Southern Oregon. (NOAA)
Southwest IMT 4 assumes command of Antelope Fire
The Southwest Area Type 2 Incident Management Team 4, led by Incident Commander Carl Schwope, assumed command of the Antelope Fire this morning, Wednesday, August 4, 2021, at 7:00 a.m. A Type 2 Incident Management Team brings additional resources and management capabilities to manage the increasingly complex fire.
Weather
A Red Flag Warning is in effect today from 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Gusty south to southwest winds will combine with extremely dry air to bring critical fire weather conditions to the Antelope Fire. Conditions on Wednesday night should provide some relief with a small increase in humidity and lighter southwest winds. On Thursday, humidity will trend upwards, but wind will still be gusty from the southwest then northwest. A dry cold front will push through the area on Thursday.
Safety
The safety of emergency responders and the public is the first priority. The Klamath National Forest is in the process of developing an area closure order for the vicinity surrounding the fire.
Evacuations
Evacuation Orders remain in place for the Bray area, the community of Tennant, and Antelope Creek. For the most current and accurate evacuation information for Siskiyou County, please visit: https://arcg.is/1mWjWj. A Temporary Evacuation Point has been set up at the Dorris City Hall, located at 307 South Main Street, Dorris, CA. If you are evacuated and need assistance or sheltering, please proceed to the Dorris City Hall or call 530-340-3539 for assistance. Residents are encouraged to sign up for CodeRED, the Siskiyou County rapid emergency notification service, at: https://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/emergencyservices/page/codered-emergency-alert.
Restrictions
The Klamath National Forest remains in fire restrictions through October 15, 2021. Fire restrictions are in place to protect the public and firefighters, as well as National Forest System lands and resources, during a period of high wildfire danger. The complete Forest order is available on the Klamath National Forest website. A temporary flight restriction (TFR) is in place over the area, which includes unmanned aircraft, or drones.
Smoke
Smoke from the Antelope Fire may be visible from communities in the surrounding area. An interactive smoke map at https://fire.airnow.gov/ allows you to zoom into your location to see the latest smoke information. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems or heart disease are encouraged to take precautionary measures.
Evacuations and road closures around the Antelope Fire. For the latest evacuation map click here.
Klamath Falls News & Cascade Firewatch’s coverage of the 2021 Wildfire Season is brought to you by Ace Towing.
Ace Towing offers 24-hour emergency roadside assistance, collision towing, jump starts, lockouts, fuel, and tire changes. They also make automotive keys and program fobs too. 541-884-9388.
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