Series of wildfires has been named collectively as the July Complex

ALTURAS, Calif. - Continuing lightning storms are not only igniting fires, but the associated erratic conditions are making some of them grow very quickly. Information about the Gold and Hog fires is available from CAL FIRE at: https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/.

Eleven active fires have been discovered on the Modoc National Forest so far, with three growing to appreciable size. Challenging conditions, difficult access and predicted continuing fire weather has informed the decision to order a type two incident management team to manage what will be called the July Complex.

Here is a run down of all fires discovered so far:

Caldwell Fire near Caldwell Butte southeast of the Lava Beds (T45N R4E Sec35) was last reported at 1,500 acres growing very quickly yesterday afternoon as a result of winds associated with a thunder cell. It is close to Tionesta, but no evacuations have been ordered at this time. Lava Beds and Medicine Highlands traffic from the east has been affected at times.
Allen Fire, burning in a difficult-to-access area near Allen Butte (T41N R8E Sec30), was last reported at 800 acres with smoke jumpers and other crews working to hold it along County Road 85.
Canyon Fire near Canby Bridge inside the Stone Fire scar (T41N R9E Sec16) is 234 acres and 100-percent contained.
Rush Fire (T40N R10E Sec17 NWSW) was last reported at 0.25 aces and 70-percent contained.
Slate Fire (T38N R10E Sec11) was last reported at 3.8 acres.
Higgins Fire (T40N R9E Sec4) was last reported at 0.1 acres.
Shake Fire (T41N R9E Sec21) was last reported at 0.2 acres.
Spring Fire (T39N R10E Sec4) was last reported at 0.1 acres.
Kephart Fire (T43N R6E Sec9) was a single tree fire.
Bird Fire (T46N R9E Sec1) was a single tree fire.
Mountain Fire (T46N R10E Sec18) was a single tree fire.

Quick response from firefighting resources in difficult conditions allowed great progress toward containment and control on fires that have been kept small.

The primary fire response strategy for 2020 in Region 5 continues to be aggressive initial attack, to include using local resources from partners. The primary firefighting goal is rapid containment to minimize the number of large wildfires.

Please recreate responsibly. Igniting, building, maintaining or using a campfire on National Forests in California remains prohibited, except for developed campgrounds and certain permitted facilities found at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/modoc/alerts-notices/?aid=58896.

Cooking can be done with pressurized liquid or gas devices (stoves, grills or lanterns) with shut-off valves outside of developed campgrounds with a valid California Campfire Permit, which can be found at https://www.readyforwildfire.org/permits/campfire-permit/.

“We need everyone now, more than ever, to help reduce the number of preventable wildfires,” said Deputy Regional Forester Anthony Scardina, for the USDA Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region. “We are in state-wide fire restrictions, yet illegal campfires continue be an issue, putting a strain on firefighters and threating communities.”

Time spent educating children about how to stay fire safe is as important while enjoying a family vacation or fishing trip as it is at home. Remember campfires are not out until cold. Drown, stir, feel and repeat until cold to the touch.

If you have a new fire to report, please call 911.

Klamath Falls News coverage of the 2020 Wildfire Season is brought to you by Ace Towing.

We are currently looking for additional sponsors for coverage of the 2020 Fire Season. Would your business like to sponsor Klamath Falls News / Cascade Firewatch coverage of the 2020 Wildfire Season? Visit klamathfallsnews.org/current-opportunities or send us a note at sales@klamathfallsnews for more information.

July Complex Fire Details

Cause:
Lighting

Size:
2,538 Acres (Estimated)

Location:
Modoc County, California