The Red Flag Warning has as been extended through Friday, July 31 at 8:00 p.m.

TULELAKE, Calif. - Firefighters made progress yesterday on fire control lines and burning operations, especially on the moderately active south and southwest sides of the fire. More smoke was visible yesterday largely due to burning operations by crews to improve control lines. The Gillem and Caldwell fires have merged and will now be managed and referred to only as the Caldwell Fire. The Caldwell Fire is now 79,316 acres and 45% contained.

On the north, the fire burned some wetlands around the south edge of Tule Lake, but the fire did not burn farm fields nearby.

On the west side of the fire, the 49 road (Lassen Volcanic Scenic Byway) is still holding as a fire break. Control lines are holding on the southeast front of the fire.

On the east side, the fire held back along the county 120 road and along control lines around the burn area east of the railroad tracks. Firefighting near the tracks has been assisted by BNSF’s unique fire train, equipped with large water tanks and powerful hoses.

Today, crews will continue similar effective work, securing the fire’s edge and reinforcing control lines. Smoke will be visible today due to burning operations and pockets of vegetation burning within the interior of the fire.

Crews completed line construction around the perimeter of the former Gillem fire area yesterday. Firefighters working here plan to strengthen control lines today. Night resources remain on the Caldwell fire, aiding daytime efforts.

Red Flag conditions may lead to increased fire behavior today, and drought stressed fuels are still holding heat for long periods of times. Any new starts could show active fire behavior today.

Allen and Dalton Fires
The Allen and Dalton fires will soon be in monitor-only status. Firefighters are performing suppression repair activities, and managers are planning to transfer command of these fires back to the Modoc National Forest.

Weather
Conditions Thursday are forecast to be hot and dry with gusty winds. Skies should be sunny during the day, with temperatures in the mid-90s and humidity below 10%. Afternoon winds are predicted to be south-southwest 10-15mph with gusts to 25mph. Long-term weather trends are forecast to remain sunny, hot, dry, breezy, and unstable.

Fire managers will employ tactics that safely engage fire while prioritizing firefighter and public safety and protecting values at risk. Life safety will always remain the number one priority. COVID-19 mitigations are being taken to limit exposure risks to firefighters and the public, per CDC guidelines.

Closures and Evacuations:
There remains a Mandatory Evacuation in place for the Medicine Lake Recreation Area. The Lava Beds National Monument remains closed.

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July Complex Fire Details

Cause:
Lightning

Size:
Caldwell: 79,316
Complex: 81,636

Containment:
Caldwell: 45%

Location:
Modoc National Forest

Resources:
Personnel: 1,695