Large Column of Smoke Seen East of Alderpoint Is the South Fire

Smoke rising to the east of Garberville around noon today. [Photo from Rachel Bluesky]

However, after sending aircraft to investigate, Cal Fire determined this was smoke rising from the South Fire, started by lightning on September 5. The fire is burning about 15 miles south of Platina and west of Red Bluff about 30 miles.

South Fire as seen from the east. [Screengrab taken from an image in the Shasta Modoc AlertWildfire camera network about 12:30 p.m. ]

However, he cautioned the community to stay alert. “[I]t is hot and dry out there,” he warned. “Don’t let down your guard.”

South fire map from today.

Below is a press release about the South Fire from the Shasta-Trinity National Forest Public Affairs Office:

As of this morning, the South Fire is approximately 3434 acres.  The fire behavior was minimal overnight, with backing, creeping and flanking with uphill runs.

The South Fire located in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, southeast of Tomhead Mountain, west of Red Bluff and 15 miles south of Platina, CA. With the extremely narrow roads, limited access, numerous snags and extremely steep terrain, firefighters continue to engage the fire when and where it is safe.

Firefighting efforts continue day and night with approximately 200 firefighters working from a remote camp on the landing strip north of the fire to reduce the travel time to that area. Firing operations on the northwest section of the fire were successful and will continue as weather permits. The fire south of Buck Camp and Hamilton Gulch had moderate fire activity and the southeast portion of the fire continues to hold within the containment lines. Fire in the Yolla Bolly Wilderness continues to burn in a north/northwest direction towards the Syd Cabin Glade area.

Firefighters will continue to construct direct fireline, which is the closest proximity to the fire, where they can and use natural barriers. Roads are being cleared of brush for easier access to the fire for the firefighters. Structure protection continues within and around the fire area.

The main objective is to fully suppress the fire while providing for firefighter and public safety which is the highest priority. Firefighters continue to protect private and Forest Service infrastructure, along with natural and cultural resources, by limiting fire spread south of Cottonwood Creek and north of Nuisance Ridge and Ball Rock Road.

Weather outlook for today sunny, warmer with highs of 78-83 at 5000.  88-92 at 2500 ft.

A Forest Closure order is now in effect within the South Fire, Order No. 14-19-06. Please go to the Shasta-Trinity National Forest website for more information: www.fs.usda.gov/stnf

Fire Information: For specific inquiries, contact the fire information center at 530-852-8473. Information is available online at http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6577/