[UPDATE 2 p.m.] Helena: Maps and 299 to Remain Closed

Heat map of the Helena Fire

Forestry map made from heat imaging of the Helena Fire. At the bottom of this post is a pdf of this map that will allow you to zoom in. Allow some time for it to load.Please allow a minute for the map to upload.

At 2:45 this morning, a pilot and crew flew heat imaging cameras over the Helena Fire. Then the maps were created and sent to leaders of the fight to save the homes and property in the area.

The fire imagery shows that there is an 85 acre fire to the northeast of the Helena Fire. At this point, we’re not sure nor is the mapper if this is a known fire or something new. We’re trying to get you that information. [UPDATE 2 p.m.: This fire is the Fork Fire. According to Inciweb:

Surveillance aircraft reported no significant growth from the time the fire began on August 7th until the morning of September 1st. Fire activity increased over the night of August 31, and was reported to be approximately 80 acres as of the morning of September 1st. Smokejumpers were unable to jump on the fire today due to hazardous conditions.

elena

Note the unnamed fire in the northeast corner of the map.

The map, using some of the best methods for understanding fires, also shows that the Helena Fire is actually about 5170 acres rather than the 6000 acres it was reported to be at one time. It did not grow significantly. But there was 0% containment as of last night about 5 p.m.

The red dots show isolated heat. The yellow areas have scatter heat in them. The orange shaded areas are where there is intense heat. The Fire is pushing towards Brock Gulch on the northwest and jumped over Hocker Meadow Road to the south. The river is holding it to the southeast.

You can explore this yourself in several different versions we have for you.

Immediately below is a pdf of the top map. Allow it a minute or so to load.

20170901_Helena_11x17topo

 

If you have Google Earth, these links will open and allow you to see the fire maps in three dimensions. First, save the images to your computer then open them in Google Earth.

20170901_Helena_IR

20170901_NorthofHelena_IR

For details on this fire, check Inciweb.

HWY 299

Caltrans is reporting that Hwy 299 will likely not open until September 4. Hwy 36 remains the best alternative route at this point. Hwy 36 is open without significant delays through Monday.

UPDATE 12:30 p.m.: According to District 2 Caltrans, “[A]t this point, we haven’t received any ETA on the reopening of the highway.”

UPDATE 12:37 p.m.: According to District 2 Public Information Officer Christopher Woodward, “Hwy 299 will stay closed through today and overnight and then we will be assessing the situation tomorrow.”

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Renaissance1
Guest
Renaissance1
6 years ago

What are the donation sites to use?

kelsey
Guest
6 years ago
Reply to  Renaissance1

below is a link to a gofundme– all proceeds will be directed to the organizations and charities involved

https://www.gofundme.com/helenafire

Thx
Guest
Thx
6 years ago
Reply to  Renaissance1

And how do we donate to you kym? Can we pay for some meals in town for you?
Let us know the best way to help keep you going, you are one of our most valuable assets!!!! I hope you truly feel the thanks coming your way.
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Patrick
Guest
Patrick
6 years ago
Reply to  Thx

Good idea Thx.
Let there be Patreon or something Patreon like.

Kelley
Guest
Kelley
6 years ago
Reply to  Thx

Businesses buying advertising is one way to support Kym

Jennie Stokley
Guest
Jennie Stokley
6 years ago
Reply to  Renaissance1

I started a go fund me account for everyone effected. The link is on the trinity alert page. Please pass it along.

Zippy
Guest
Zippy
6 years ago

HWY 299 closed for Labor Day weekend?? WOW. Blue Lake Casino is not going to like that. That is going to leave a mark.

Viper
Guest
Viper
6 years ago
Reply to  Zippy

Really? People are without homes. A friend of mine lost everything, they are staying with us. And you are worried about a casino? Get over it.

Trinityismyhoms
Guest
Trinityismyhoms
6 years ago
Reply to  Zippy

Ya that’s sure a big problem….sheesh

Dan Fuller
Guest
Dan Fuller
6 years ago
Reply to  Zippy

It isn’t closed there it’s closed a LOT further East!!! So it shouldn’t hurt their weekend crowd that much!!!

Jack H
Guest
Jack H
6 years ago
Reply to  Zippy

Ummm – people’s houses are burning?? Who cares about a casino making their money??

michael
Guest
michael
6 years ago

The mapport fire viewer which generated this info has more info. If you click on the red isolated fire points while in the viewer you will see temps of the point which gives you an idea of fire activity and may be more current. Some of the points are relatively cool . I would need to speak with a representative from mapport for more info but this might give you more fire info.

David Lippman
Guest
David Lippman
6 years ago

Thank you for the great job you do keeping the community informed.

Laura Seidenberg
Guest
Laura Seidenberg
6 years ago

Your specific, credible coverage helps us all. A comfort in comm-unity. Thank you for your effort, time and concern!

Ullr Rover
Guest
Ullr Rover
6 years ago

Is the fire to the northeast the “Fork” fire?

https://wildfiresnearme.wfmrda.com
comment image

michael
Guest
michael
6 years ago

The fire in the corner is monument peak and the ridge above rush creek and looks typically burns down into the heavy timber on the Rush and Van Matre creek area. Usually the cause is lightning and those fire scan smolder through duff on top of the 7000 ft ridge for at least a week before being found . I’m wondering if weaver bally lookout is still inhabited?

Emily
Guest
Emily
6 years ago

That un named fire looks to be in the alps wilderness, maybe up by boulder lakes? Scary for anyone hiking up there, with no cel service.

Brian
Guest
Brian
6 years ago

Radio reports of 130 structures lost.

No report on how many were homes, sheds, etc.

Irene Barney
Guest
Irene Barney
6 years ago

We own a place at Junction City (the building the store/post office are in). We heard over 60 people have lost their homes. So heartbreaking! Smoke is super thick. Praying for them all.

Jan joki
Guest
Jan joki
6 years ago

Thanks for your constant updates. I was going to head north to Willow Creek Thursday. You saved me a long trip.
How do I get on you website?

Robert Potter
Guest
Robert Potter
6 years ago

Special thanks to CalFire, USFS,CHP,TCSO,Redding Fire dept.BLM, and the local VFD’s, if I’ve forgotten anybody I apologize.
For people! using alternate routes such as Corral Bottoms , Underwood mtn, etc . there are a lot of emergency vehicles, residents, and others not familiar with area using these routes, please be careful and watch your speed roads are narrow and not all ways enough room to pull over or hit a ditch because you are trying to make up for lost time. Don’t add to the problem

Country girl
Guest
Country girl
6 years ago

Very insensitive to worry about a casino when people’s homes and properties have been destroyed..

N
Guest
N
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

I agree. So glad you shared that. We have friends and family in Blue Lake, one due with a baby any day. It is helpful information knowing where 299 is closed.

Some guy
Guest
Some guy
6 years ago
Reply to  Kym Kemp

Im pretty sure that was a sarcastic statement. Probably from someone who lost their home so they could build the damn casino

Bozo
Guest
Bozo
6 years ago

>”HWY 299 closed for Labor Day weekend??”

Gonna be lot-sa people er… ‘sweltering’ over there in Redding.

Ullr Rover
Guest
Ullr Rover
6 years ago

http://hotlist.wildlandfire.com/threads/61336-CA-SHF-Helena/page4

I think you need to register to view, but this is a good resource for knowing what’s going on tactically. E.g. what strike forces, what aircraft, what dozers are diverted to the particular incident. Also updated maps.

Buzz
Guest
Buzz
6 years ago
Reply to  Ullr Rover

Thanks!

CA Armstrong
Guest
CA Armstrong
6 years ago

HUGE Thank You! to all those working up there in that horrible heat!

Ullr Rover
Guest
Ullr Rover
6 years ago
Reply to  CA Armstrong

Maybe the only blessing of heavy smoke is it keeps the temperature down. Right now, 20 miles downriver from Helena, it is 79°F at 1pm PDT.

Michelle M
Guest
Michelle M
6 years ago

I just spoke with Caltrans in the Redding office. Your statement above said “Caltrans is reporting that Hwy 299 will likely not open until September 4.” Though it is realistic for anyone to assume this would be the case, as far as Caltrans is concerned Hwy 299 is closed for now until they are advised it is safe to reopen the highway. They (Caltrans) suggests that motorists refer to what is posted on their website. Until then it is closed right now. Thank you

Brian
Guest
Brian
6 years ago

Inversion is all gone. Smoke is now being taken to the west.

Fire activity in hot spots is ramping up.

Fresh growing columns on south, southeast side of fire.

I’m sure more is happening, that’s just my view now.

Good luck.

Ullr Rover
Guest
Ullr Rover
6 years ago
Reply to  Brian

Where are you? I feel/see a slight shift in Burnt Ranch, but it is still very smokey.

Brian
Guest
Brian
6 years ago
Reply to  Ullr Rover

Ullr,

I’m 10 miles south of fire by way of crow. @ 4000 feet. I can climb barker mt. for views of 6000′.

Wind shifts, seems like smoke is now all over the north, NE, NW of fire.

Fire growth on south, SE side for a couple hours, fresh smoke columns from my view.

Hope u get some smoke relief, best wishes to all that had the worst of this fire so far. These types of events are incredibly stressful for those directly affected.

Ullr Rover
Guest
Ullr Rover
6 years ago
Reply to  Brian

Good luck to you and thanks for the reply. I see a lot of hot zones on the south edge of the fire. If the forecast holds it will favor you.

Just saying
Guest
Just saying
6 years ago
Reply to  Ullr Rover

I have been working at Bigfoot days in Willow Creek and the smoke got a lot thicker in the last hour or so. Wind change? Usually in the afternoon it shifts up river… Hopefully not an increase in fire activity.

MArtin Dooly
Guest
MArtin Dooly
6 years ago

Hi Kym –

Your post was great. I was able to share with other folks. Can you tell me where I can get the IR map information regularly? Thanks in advance!

Martin

Mar
Guest
Mar
6 years ago

Does anyone know where the fire camp is located where the fire fighters eat?

PinkAsso
Guest
PinkAsso
6 years ago

HWY 36 is seeing heavy traffic with many cars attempting to pass on double yellow lines. Big rig use is high. USE CARE when on 36.

Brian
Guest
Brian
Guest
Brian
6 years ago

To help

The Trinity County Animal Shelter is in need of dog food, cat food and kitty litter. If you have any of these items to donate call (530) 739-2247

The Outpost Church has collected many donations of clothing, bedding and toiletries for community members affected by the fire. Gas cards and gift cards for Tops and CVS would also be appreciated. Donations can be brought to the Trinity Alps Performing Arts Center from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 1-4. If someone has been affected by the fires, contact Heidi at (530) 722-5025. Transport can be arranged to bring people to the TAPAC to “shop,” and deliveries of donated items can also be made.

Bins have also been set up at Tops Super Foods.

http://www.trinityjournal.com/news/local/article_1ca53a24-8f8a-11e7-b22e-f3db98f99a12.html

Brian
Guest
Brian
6 years ago
Reply to  Brian

A generous person came up from tehama county with 4,000 lbs of animal food.

No more food donations needed.

Poster formerly known as Matt
Guest
Poster formerly known as Matt
6 years ago

Brian – since 299 is closed there’s no way to take supplies from Eureka. Is the next best thing to donate money to the animal shelter through the Go Fund Me link on their website or is there another more direct donation method?

Brian
Guest
Brian
6 years ago

I would call them tomorow and ask.

I’m sorry I don’t have a better answer for you.

If I find out a way I’ll post it.

HDD
Guest
HDD
6 years ago

Coming home tonight from Eureka to Ruth lake Hwy 36 was as crowded as I’ve ever seen it with West bound traffic. Strings of cars and trucks up to 20 long. A LOT of them doing stupid and dangerous stuff. PLEASE drive safely and be thoughtful of the others on the road with you. I know this is a major inconvenience. But is it worth your live or that of another person?
I had to avoid two different drivers passing on a double yellow. One required me to leave the road entirely to avoid a head on. So lucky there had been somewhere to go. That’s not always the case on that road.

Trucker Don
Guest
Trucker Don
6 years ago

I sure wish people would stop throwing lit cigarettes out of their vehicles, last night on my way back to Eureka from Modesto I saw Cal fire pull a car over, I’ll bet that’s gonna be an expensive ticket, I can’t believe people, half the state is on fire and out the window go the lit cigarettes, talk about self centered idiots. I myself am turning in my dash cam footage of the offenders every time I see it, and I encourage others to do the same

Brian
Guest
Brian
6 years ago

Now 6,812 acres.

Leslie
Guest
Leslie
6 years ago

Thank you for all the updates. They are very much appreciated

JAS-M
Guest
JAS-M
6 years ago

I am worried sick as I see the fire moving towards Junction City. My grandma lives right over the hill from Junction City camp ground.

https://app.mapport.com/wildfire-viewer/?share=BJB6MFBW

Several hrs ago she was staying put but has an emer plan. Does anyone have anymore updated info. from that area? It looks as if it is coming up over the ridge? (from mapport map)

Praying…

Brian
Guest
Brian
6 years ago
Reply to  JAS-M

Jas,

Inciweb just put a few sentences in their update.

“Status: The fire continued to be active through the night and is moving toward Junction City. …”

https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5564/

Number of homes destroyed updated.

I drove to Eagle Rock quarry today, there are a lot of resources around. Thanks to all firefighters for coming in from far to help.

Best to yours

JAS-M
Guest
JAS-M
6 years ago

Thank you so much Brian!
We will continue to pray…