Thunderstorms Spark Dozens of Fires Across Shasta-Trinity and Klamath National Forests

[Photo by Karina Junge taken in 2023]

Between the Shasta-Trinity and Klamath National Forests, more than 45 lightning-caused fires were reported since July 31. Most have remained small, with many contained or controlled thanks to firefighting efforts.

In the Shasta-Trinity National Forest, firefighters have responded to 32 wildfires since the beginning of last week. The Oak Fire, near Chrome Mine and Three Hills roads in the Post Mountain community, was the largest at 2.7 acres and is now contained. Other notable fires include the Beetle, Butte, and Clear Fires, all under a half-acre in size and either contained or out. Firefighters continue to monitor areas where lightning strikes may yet ignite additional fires, as new starts can smolder for hours or days before flaring up.

The forest’s late July and early August fires have ranged from remote wilderness areas near Castle Crags and Mount Shasta to communities along State Routes 299 and 89. While many of the blazes were small—typically one-tenth of an acre—they posed significant threats due to the dry, receptive fuels and remote access. Firefighters are in full suppression mode, and the Forest Service is asking the public to avoid active fire zones for safety.

Meanwhile, Klamath National Forest officials report 29 lightning-caused fires, with 14 detected on August 2 alone, most along the Highway 96 corridor. Nineteen of the fires have already been contained. The largest, the Big Cliff Fire, located just west of the Russian Wilderness, has been incorporated into the Orleans Complex and is now under the management of an incident command team.

Fires on the Happy Camp-Oak Knoll Ranger District include the Fork Fire (¼ acre) and the Middle Fire (5 acres), the latter of which remains uncontained but has fireline around it. On the Salmon-Scott River Ranger District, smokejumpers and rappelers were deployed to several wilderness blazes, including the Tompkins and Love Fires near Lovers Camp and Lake Mountain Lookout. Most fires are being kept under a tenth of an acre thanks to rapid initial attack.

With more lightning in the forecast, crews are preparing for potential new ignitions. The Klamath National Forest expects cooler temperatures and gusty winds as a weather system moves in Sunday, followed by continued warm, dry conditions into next week. Fire restrictions remain in effect—campfires are only allowed in designated recreation areas.