Evening Update on the West Side of the August Complex
This August Complex Map shows the different fire zones. The West Zone, all of the areas west of the thickest blue line, are all the areas in Cal Fire’s area of responsibility which explains the odd sections as the fire burns out of the federal area of responsibility and into the state’s. (Note: The fire has grown since this map was made.)
Below is Cal Fire’s evening update on the West Zone of the fire which stretches in patches that roughly range from Ellis Creek southeast of Laytonville to Zenia east of Phillipsville—almost 50,000 acres.
Important points to note:
- The Incident start time has nothing to do with the lightning that started the Hopkins Fire back in August and more to do when Cal Fire began managing this zone.
- The August Complex is now believed to be 755,603 acres due to better mapping. “The overall acreage of the August Complex has decreased due to more accurate mapping, intel and rezoning of the incident.”
- Cal Fire believes they will have full containment on the West Zone by September 30.
- Please remember that Cal Fire hasn’t been able to assess all the structures that may or may not have been lost. This large area is just one small part of the largest fire in California history and keeping track of it is difficult.
- “Today the fire made active runs to the west and north with spotting,
uphill runs and torching when it was aligned with drainages and topography.” - “The potential for active fire behavior will continue over the next few days.”
There will be a virtual community meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. Details below:
Community_Meeting_Sept_16_2020.01
Join the discussion! For rules visit: https://kymkemp.com/commenting-rules
Comments system how-to: https://wpdiscuz.com/community/postid/10599/
wait so cal fire is only putting out a super small chunck on the right of the blue line wich will take them 15 days to contain while on the east it continues to burn north neast into forest glen and head towards the pines? And all that is federal land and cal fire is not participating in putting it out?? Or did i miss somethibg
Yes, but I would caution that Cal Fire frequently helps the forestry and vice versa. It’s just that we’re talking primary areas of responsibility.
No they don’t . I call bullshit. If both entities worked together we would not be in this position. Everyone is arguing who is getting paid to fight the fire.
You are right Kym, Trinity Pines is in USFS lands jurisdiction and Cal Fire and USFS do work together…sometimes a struggle but they do work together. We have been on many fires over 45 years and almost all have been joint operations. Please note, Cal Fire is now working in USFS jurisdiction in Kettenpom Trinity Co. However, USFS & Cal Fire jurisdictions join in the Kettenpom area. Last evening they were doing helicopter water drops behind our house and all along the line behind our place and the Kettenpom Store.
Sorry not really a response. Actually a question. Kym (and or helpful thread followers)- Im having a difficult time finding an update on road closures. Do you happen to know if Alderpoint Road is open to Kettenpom and clear up to Van Duzen Road? I appreciate any helpful info or links.
Alderpoint Road doesn’t go to Kettenpom. The main roads in Kettenpom are Peak Road And Zenia Lake Mt Rd.
All Humboldt County Roads are open.
For Trinity County Roads, scroll down on this post: https://kymkemp.com/2020/09/09/highway-101-closed-by-laytonville-hwy-96-and-199-closed-information-on-highways-closed-due-to-fires/
In addition to crews from Montana, Utah, Texas and New Jersey…come on, they’re stretched thin across the state!
They don’t have the resources to put any of these fires out all they can do is their best to contain them.
Cal fire is not allowed to work on federal land or the Fire would be Out!!! The feds only “manage” fires. Cal fire “Stomps” them and puts them Out!!!
How more will burn in two weeks?
This is starting to seem like California stands against federal government, hmmm. Kind of seeing a trend here. Cal fire has always fought fires in the national forests in ca.
There are actually very few federal fire crews in Northern ca. One sits at the base of snow mountain. Most cal fire stations are in national forests.
Very frustrated, none of this is acceptable. Just letting it run its course along the east side of Ruth is heartbreaking to us. I was told it might be up to a week before we can get into the Barry Creek area.
Cal fire only can get involved when it hits state resources area. It’s up to the feds if they want our help on federal land.
Yes, I am very thankful to CALFIRE and all the Fire Volunteers in Trinity, Mendo and Humboldt. My frustrations is clearly with the Feds and on many levels, it’s just a shame.
Pay for it. We can spend more on aircraft, engines, and personnel. Right now you have to prioritize; the territory east of Ruth or structures on the East side, or Oroville where you got more homes. Remember the $80 a year CalFire wanted to charge a few years ago? Remember how outraged everybody was? You have to buy the equipment BEFORE the fire.
We do pay for it. The Feds get loads of our money and do nothing. Locally we have not denied any funding. Thing is we know the risk, we also know the land and the Fed land is in shit condition.
Do you know anyone who lost their home back there that could use a cab over camper for a 6ft bed or longer F150? It’s in good shape, but sink doesn’t work and no cushions. I got it for free, and now seems the time for me to pass it on for free too.
Not been out there just yet. I do know (confirmed) everything is gone and it looks like someone dropped a nuke. I am sure I will get out there when I am not allowed but I (you) got anything for the area the Ruth or Kettenpom stores are always a good place to start.
Roughly 43% of Of forests in the state of California are federally owned, and a larger percentage is in northern California that does not include the national refuge complexes which also add hundreds of thousands of acres and California. In the heart of the August complex fires sitting in the Mendocino national forest are several California on Cal fire stations One of those being a convict crew camp located in the Mendocino national forest not far from the ocean view ridge line. Cal fire is in command of all fire crews fighting in the Mendocino Cal fire has always fought fires and national forest in northern California If they are stating now that their priorities are state lands versus national forest it is nothing more then the state taking a stand against the federal government. I have friends who have lost cabins and homes inside the Mendocino national forest those are California residents who have lived their entire lives and California. I’m sure I’m not the only one who is sick and tired of all this conservative versus liberal b.s. For once I would like to see the residents of northern California placed as a priority Ahead of this state’s agenda
The map they used is 2 days old, it doesn’t show the northern movement over horse mountain.
We are all homeless, moneyless, have no cloths , no where to go. All our animals are going to be dead. No one will let me in to get anything since Wednesday.No fire where I need to go. Thank you much appreciated. I was told they don’t care about my animals or anything. If your a cannabis grower you might be able to go in but not anyone else trying to save 15 kittens stuck inside my house without food or water. I’m sure they are eating themselves by now. I’m going to have a hazmat issue now , with all the dead animals in my house. For all you all that are going to say those are just cats, fuck you.
Please reach out to your local fire departments and your permitted neighbors. Any of them might be able to help you.
Where are your kittens and how many days have they been there? How much water and food was left when evacuated? (Ex. Evacuated 5 days ago and approximately two days water and one day food). You would be surprised how resilient cats are but fact is they NEED help NOW. Please let me know and I will make some calls.
This is not good why is it we cant get water delivered up bells springs rd we live on the west side of bells springs and we’re being denied access .
This is crazy and how are we ever supposed to trust the government for anything after they disapoint time after time… Ruth lake is RIGHT there how hard is it to get 2 helicopters to grab water from there
Im sorry “homeless” that sucks. You should at least be able to get your cats if there is no fire there. We are waiting and wondering if our home is going to be protected as they say “structure protection” is national forests specialty.. specialty…..hmm Best of luck.
Trump could put these fires out in 1 hr!
It’s his land that is on fire. It’s because he also does not do what he accuses others is why I and 25 and many others to come will lose their homes. A fith grader could lead this nation better and we would all have free ice cream.
Is there a reason why the North portion of the August complex Inciweb link is no longer being included in any updates of the fire? Why is it when I go to it the information is days old and the Forest Glen evacuation isn’t even on there, I had to find out from local news?
Hopefully this doesn’t turn into 2015 again, when the pines was on fire but fire fighters only drove in to take our water but not put the fires out, telling us we weren’t important enough and we had to do our own fire fighting. If this fire crosses the 36, my community will be on fire again.
You are looking at the west side of the complex. You want to look at the August Complex main section again and then scroll down to the North section. https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/7071/
Here’s the latest: https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/article/6983/56024/
The management recently changed things again. I am so sorry this is very confusing. I’m following it closely and will do the best I can on my website kymkemp.com to keep it straight for the locals.
Trinity County is cooperating with Humboldt County to get out maps. Here: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1Y_qCH75uA9ViOP0bao2-Cv07uB3pX3XG&ll=40.209730371490714%2C-123.54374267330414&z=9
Thank you, and keep up the great work!
Thank you to all fire fighters and first responders for your hard work and sacrifices you have made, You always do a remarkable job.
The original lock down was valid for several days due to unknown spot fires, wind changes and direction, to smoky to see exactly where the fire was and what it was doing at all times.
The only reason why we are locked down is the county has to show hardship from the fire in Humboldt County or they are not eligible for their money $.
https://www.northcoastjournal.com/NewsBlog/archives/government/
The Humboldt County Board of Supervisors today declared a local emergency due to the wildfires burning in the region.
The August Complex West Zone has prompted evacuation orders and warnings in the Southern Humboldt area as firefighters work to keep the flames out of Humboldt and east of the Eel River. The Red Salmon Complex is impacting the Hoopa and Willow Creek areas, as crew continue to protect local communities from the blaze.
“The declaration allows for the county to seek state and federal reimbursement for fire damage repairs and other associated impacts,” a news release states. “The amount of funding depends on the agencies that assist, including the State of California and federal government.”
Of course they will bend a knee to the legal grows because of the money they receive from their permits.
Money money money
I was here during the lightning complex which was very active which I was apart of and never locked down nor was anyone else even for a moment. The fires were everywhere and extremely close to all the local communities.
The fires are a long way from us but the county gets more money for locking us down so low and behold, what would you expect.
Look at the science or look at the daily fire maps and weather behavior.
https://www.windy.com/?40.179,-123.640,5
https://www.arcgis.com/home/webmap/viewer.html?webmap=df8bcc10430f48878b01c96e907a1fc3
Thank you Humboldt County Planning & Building Department,
Have a great day