Wildfires from Orleans to Orick to Hoopa United Under New Name and One Command

Sunday, 20 August 2023, 4:49 pm Kym Kemp 3 comments

Lone Pine Fire view from Brushy Mountain Lookout

A series of wildfires mostly burning in northern Humboldt County that were ignited by lightning strikes early last week have now been collectively termed the “SRF 2023 Lightning Complex.”

The fires, which were initially sparked by an intense series of lightning strikes, rapidly grew in size and intensity due to dry conditions and gusty winds. Firefighting efforts now under the command of California Incident Management Team 2 escalated into an all-encompassing operation to contain and extinguish the flames.

The SRF 2023 Lightning Complex consists of several distinct fires spread over a wide area which poses a significant challenge for the firefighting crews who have been working around the clock to mitigate their impact. The fires grouped under this designation are

The Lone Pine (located south of Hoopa in the Horse Linto Creek watershed east of the Trinity River, estimated 1,303 acres). There is an evacuation advisory for some areas close to it. See here for the evacuation information map.
The Pearch Fire, located east of Orleans, is burning in both Humboldt and Siskiyou counties. The fire is estimated at 902 acres with 0% containment. There is an evacuation warning for some areas close to it. See here for more on evacuations.
The Mosquito Fire, located near the Bluff Creek area north of Mosquito Lake in the Orleans area, is burning in both Humboldt and Del Norte counties. The fire totals about 2,036 acres and there is 0% containment.
Blue Creek, Blue Creek 2, Bluff #1, Let-er-buck are located in the Orleans area. All fires are currently unstaffed though resources are on order.
The Lost Fire is located northeast of Orick in the Lost Man Creek Watershed. Currently it is estimated to be estimated at 351 acres and is 0% contained. Cal Fire and Green Diamond Resource Company are collaborating with suppression efforts on the Lost Fire.
Devil and Glenn Fires were located in the Redwood National and State Parks. But they are now 100% contained and being mopped up.

State and federal agencies have joined forces with local firefighting crews to combat the SRF 2023 Lightning Complex. Air tankers, helicopters, and ground crews have been deployed to engage the fires from multiple angles, employing both containment and direct suppression strategies. Despite the formidable challenges posed by the rapidly changing weather conditions and challenging terrain, the collective efforts of the personnel have made some progress in containing some of the fires.

According to the Six Rivers National Forest Public Affairs Office,

California Incident Management Team 2 has assumed command of the Six Rivers National Forest (SRF) 2023 Lightning Complex which includes the Lone Pine, Pearch, Mosquito, Blue Creek, Blue Creek 2, Bluff #1, Let-er-buck in addition to Redwood National and State Parks wildfires; Lost, Devil and Glenn Fires.

Redwood National and State Parks Area

Lost – 0% contained. Full suppression tactics continue on the Lost Fire with the objective to keep it as small as possible. Currently, it is estimated at 351 acres. The fire is located within the Lost Man Creek Watershed, west of Holter Ridge Road and south of the Lost Man Creek Trail/Geneva Road. The fire is burning in second growth forest with the potential to spread to old growth. Cal Fire and Green Diamond Resource Company are collaborating with suppression efforts on the Lost Fire. Current operations include establishing a shaded fuel break along Holter Ridge Road and scouting for ideal ridgelines to the south and west to construct containment lines.

Devil – 100% contained and in mop-up and patrol status.

Glen – 100% contained and in mop-up and patrol status.

Redwood National Park and State Parks Closures

Due to fire activity in the area, Lost Man Trail from the trailhead on Bald Hills Road to the gate at the Lost Man Picnic Area is closed. Lost Man Road will remain open from Hwy 101 to the Lost Man Picnic Area. There are additional closures at the north end of the park associated with the Smith Fire Complex of fires. Visit www.nps.gov/redw/planyourvisit/conditions.htm for more information.

Hoopa Area

Lone Pine Located south of Hoopa in the Horse Linto Creek watershed east of the Trinity River and across the river from Tish Tang Campground and Sugar Bowl Ranch, fire size is estimated at 1,303 acres. Crews are pushing the fire toward the mainstem Trinity River into a planned backing alignment while holding and monitoring current lines.

Orleans Area

Pearch East of Orleans is estimated at 902 acres, has resumed a backing alignment after making a northeast run towards Somes Mountain. The fire pushed toward north fork Boise Creek, staying south of Pearch Creek and north of South Fork Pearch Creek. Fire lines established in 2006 are being re-established as the fire moves towards Somes Mountain. Orleans community residents are planning volunteer work days to assist firefighters in creating defensible space around structures.

Pearch Fire Evacuation Warning:

Zone HUM-E009 (Southeast of the Klamath River in Orleans) and Zone HUM-E008-B (East of Crawford Creek, including Orleans proper). Approx. 243 residents in these 2 zones. Please note Zone HUM-E008-B has been split into two zones – A & B. Anyone in these areas should be prepared for potential evacuations, including personal supplies and overnight accommodations. Be ready to go at a moment’s notice.

Mosquito Near the Bluff Creek area north of Mosquito Lake. The fires total about 2,036 acres. The fire remains north of Forest Road 11N19 and west of Forest Road 12N12. Two engines, one water tender, one dozer, and one division are on site.

Bluff #1, Blue Creek, Blue Creek 2, Let er-Buck Resources are on order to staff fires.

Weather

Low pressure sitting along the coast will erode due to tropical storm Hilary. The shallow nightly inversion will form at 700 ft causing smoke to be trapped in the valleys. Temperatures will be moderated by dense smoke. Cloud cover will increase in the late mornings as moisture begins to filter in the with the storm. Lingering moisture with southeasterly flow will bring a 5% change of showers and thunderstorms – though they will likely get hung up over the Shasta-Trinity. Mainly terrain driven winds but northeasterly in the morning. Rain chances increase Monday.

Alert Notifications

ZoneHaven/Genasys for map and zone identification visit: www.protect.genasys.com

Recommend residents to sign up www.humboldtgov.org/2014/Emergency-Notifications

We’ve gathered the most important information about the Six Rivers Lightning Complex Fire and organized it below for our readers.

The Plan:

https://www.facebook.com/SixRiversNF/videos/677221373915469/

The Roads:

Hwy 96 is closed north of Humboldt County due to another wildfire.

The Maps:

Operations Map –
brief_IR_arch_e_land_20230820_0613_ALL_SRF Lightning Complex_CASRF0986_0820

Information to know:

Command: California Incident Management Team 2
Roads: Lost Man Trail from the trailhead on Bald Hills Road to the gate at the Lost Man Picnic Area is closed. Lost Man Road will remain open from Hwy 101 to the Lost Man Picnic Area
Evacuations: For the most up-to-date information on evacuations use the evacuation map at https://protect.genasys.com/search
Important links to also watch: