#CaldwellFire part of the #JulyComplex burns inside the Lava Beds National Monument in the early morning hours of July 25, 2020. (Image: Brian Gailey)

MODOC NATIONAL FOREST - There is a high demand for resources in Northern California due to multiple fires, however, personnel and equipment continue to arrive at the July Complex. Fire managers are looking for opportunities to safely engage the fires 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.

Since the start of the Caldwell, Allen, and Dalton Fires, downdraft winds from passing thunder cells have caused unpredictable and erratic fire behavior. Fire was active yesterday, with smoke visible from all directions. Fire crews and aircraft worked to slow fire spread, create new control lines, and enforce existing ones. Fire may be active again today as the inversion breaks. Hot and unstable conditions could contribute to plume development and short-range spotting. Fire is expected to remain fuel-driven with backing and flanking behavior. There could be some short, active runs. Aircraft may perform water drops over the fire today.

Caldwell Fire

The Caldwell Fire remains active, growing to 11,860 acres and is 0% contained. Fire was particularly active on the west and southwest yesterday. The Caldwell Fire is burning in rough and difficult to access terrain; this makes it challenging to safely engage. Today, firefighters will create both direct (at the fire’s edge) and indirect (away from the fire’s edge) control line to limit fire spread. Crews will build control line utilizing existing road and trail systems, building from the Lava Beds National Monument Visitor Center southwest and from the 10 Rd going back west toward the lava fields. The fire is approximately 5 miles from the Medicine Lake area. Structure protection resources are available should they be needed.

Allen Fire

The Allen Fire is estimated at 948 acres with 60% containment. Yesterday, hand crews and dozers successfully created control line around much of the fire area. Today, firefighters will construct additional control line and perform mop-up (extinguish or remove burning material, fell snags/dangerous trees, remove logs so they will not roll downhill, etc.).

Dalton Fire

The Dalton Fire is approximately 1367 acres and 0% contained. Crews on the Dalton Fire will work to complete line construction and mop-up in order to secure the fire’s edge.

As of tonight, there will be a night operational period on the July Complex. Overnight crews will monitor fire edges and engage in suppression efforts as safety permits. Primary efforts will be on the Caldwell Fire.

Closures and Evacuations

There is a mandatory evacuation in place for the Medicine Lake Recreation Area as the Caldwell Fire threatens to cross Roads 97 and 49 and limit orderly exit. Fire has not reached the campgrounds but is growing in that direction.

Special notes

On July 24, the California Interagency Incident Management Team 12 (CIIMT12) assumed command of the July Complex (Caldwell, Allen and Dalton Fires). The IMT brings a high level of skill to address increasing complexity.

There may be increased fire behavior today; smoke, including possible columns, may be visible for many miles around the fires.

Weather

Hot, dry and unstable conditions persist today, with temperature highs of 86-88F. Humidity will be 18-20%. Winds in the morning from the northeast at 4-6 mph with gusts to 10mph, becoming west 4-7 mph in the afternoon. Evening winds should remain light. The warming trend continues into Sunday, with temperatures 89-91F and a chance of thunderstorms. There is a FIRE WEATHER WATCH in effect Monday with potential for abundant lighting on dry fuels.

Maps

Caldwell Fire

Allen Fire

Dalton Fire

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July Complex Details

Start Date
July 22, 2020

Location
Modoc National Forest

Size (acres)
Caldwell: 11,860
Allen: 948
Dalton: 1367

Containment
Caldwell: 0%
Allen: 60%
Dalton: 0%

Cause
Lightning

Resources
600 Personnel
27 Engines
18 Dozers
7 Type-1 Helicopters
6 Type-2 Helicopters
2 Type-3 Helicopters