New Evacuation Warnings and Advisories for Gap Fire After Wind Pushed Flames Southwards

Residents of the Seiad Valley and Ladd Road area received calls from the Siskiyou County Sheriff after the Gap Fire made a run southward today slopping over the dozer lines and heading towards the Klamath River in an area which runs east along Ladd Road from Walker Gulch to Hicks Gulch. About six homes were placed under mandatory evacuation orders in that area.

“This is less about the structures than it is about roads,” explained Adrienne Freeman, a Public Information Officer for the US Forest Service. She explained that if the fire moved into the area, firefighters and their vehicles might fill the roads making it difficult for residents to leave if needed.

The Forest Service gave residents living along Hwy 96 from the Seiad Valley to Hamburg an evacuation advisory, warning them that they need to be prepared for a possible evacuation. According to the Forest Service this includes “the community of Seiad Valley, and along the Seiad Creek Road from Highway 96 to Panther Gulch. Hamburg residents remain under an evacuation advisory as well.”

The fire had been relatively calm today until a little before 5 p.m. when a strong wind kicked in pushing the fire over dozer roads. The fire is estimated to be about 19,200 acres and 12% contained.

The weather will likely be favorable tonight. The Forest Service Inciweb states, “Low temperatures around 50 degrees will be present on all sides of the fire tonight, accompanied by humidity recovery near 85%. Winds will range from 3-6mph throughout the night. Inversions are expected to develop after 9:00PM.”