Western Wildfires Update 

Release Date: September 7, 1999
Release Number: 3140-02

» More Information on California Extreme Fire Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The National Interagency Fire Center (www.nifc.gov) reports firefighters in southern California are mopping up the state's largest blaze this morning, while wildfires continue to burn over many parts of California and the Pacific Northwest.

The Willow Fire, 80 miles northeast of Los Angeles, has burned 65,000 acres since it began on August 28. Fire crews now have the fire completely contained. The fire, near Big Bear Lake, destroyed 19 structures and 52 houses before it was contained Sept. 4. 10. A precautionary evacuation of 1,800 near the fire has been lifted.

In Northern California, fire crews continue to battle a pesky wildfire complex in the Plumas National Forest (NF). Hot weather and low humidity is causing spot fire flare-ups making a direct attack difficult. So far, this fire complex has consumed 24,000 acres since beginning on August 24.

The High complex in the Shasta-Trinity NF consists of 19 lightning-caused fires 22 miles north of Redding, Calif. Fire crews have completed burnout operations and they are now holding the fire line and patrolling for spot fires.

The Big Bar complex, also in the Shasta-Trinity NF, is burning 28 miles northwest of Weaverville. This complex consists of five lightning-related fires over 16,000 acres.

Crews are holding the fire line along the New River and some burnout is expected as the fire approaches private property. Crews on the other parts of the complex are conducting burnout operations.

Firefighters continue to fight the Stein fire in Klamath NF. This fire has burned 400 acres 12 miles northeast of Forks of the Salmon, Calif.

In the Pacific Northwest, crews in Washington worked against 30-mph winds to gain control of the 2,500-acre Stonehenge fire along the Columbia River. Ten homes in the area were briefly evacuated.

In Oregon, fire crews have gained the upper hand over the Rainbow Quarry fire on the Warm Springs Indian Agency, 10 miles southwest of Maupin. Efforts to keep the fire from spreading to private lands have been successful. The fire is reported as 65 percent contained after burning over 2,500 acres. At least one home was threatened in this fire. Fire officials believe this fire was human-caused.

In Nevada, two fires are keeping crews busy. So far, one fire has burned 3,000 acres of grass, brush, pinyon pine and juniper near Carson City and is 40 percent contained. The China Gulch fire in the Humboldt-Toiyabe NF has burned 300 acres four miles north of Mountain City, Nev. Steep terrain and high winds are hampering suppression efforts.

Last Modified: Monday, 01-Dec-2003 16:13:58