Klamath National Forest

Newsroom - Ukonom Complex Fire Update

Contact: Tom Lavagnino - Incident Information Officer (530) 493-1518

Printable PDF Copy

For immediate release.

Yreka, CA (July 3, 2008)

Fire Information

The Ukonom Complex is currently at 7,244 acres. There are 405 firefighters committed to the effort.

Merrill Fire: 4,271 acres; 12% contained
Crews worked quickly to contain several spot fires outside containment lines in the Offield saddle area yesterday. Burnout operations were completed along the 12N07 road from East Peak to Offield Saddle. Crews finished cutting a fire line in the steep terrain from East Peak down to the Salmon River. Today crews will continue burnout operations along the 15N17 road northeast of Offield Saddle.

Jake Fire: 2,280 acres; 1% contained
Today southwest winds will funnel up the Salmon River drainage and will have a major influence on fire behavior on the west perimeter of Jake Fire. Fire debris rolling downhill in this steep terrain continue to be a concern to firefighters.

Blue Fire: 693 acres; 8% contained
The Blue Fire made an upslope run in the Blue Creek drainage yesterday and slopped over the G-O Road. Crews were able to contain the spot fire northeast of the G-O road.

Ukonom Complex Fire Weather Forecast

Increased southwest winds today ahead of an approaching low pressure system. This wind direction will align with the major drainages to enhance up-valley flow. Temperatures will be 77 to 80 midslope … 80 to 84 degrees in the valleys.

Public Meeting

The Ukonom Incident Management Team held its third public meeting last night at the Junction School in Somes Bar. Fourteen community members attended. Fire updates were presented by the team members and Bill Rice, District Ranger, Orleans Ranger District. The question and answer session focused on firefighter tactics, discussion of closure practices and the detrimental economic impact of fire on local small businesses.

Facility and Road Closures

Due to fire activity, the following areas, roads, trails and facilities will be closed until further notice:

• Camp 3 Road
• Wooley Creek Trail
• Bridge Creek Trail
• Portuguese Peak Trail
• Nordheimer & Dillon Cr. Campground
• The area between the Salmon River Road and the Salmon River from Wooley Creek to Nordheimer Campground

Contact the Orleans Ranger District Office for more information on closures – 530-627-3291.

Have a Safe 4th of July Holiday Weekend!

Here are some driving tips to make this holiday weekend a safe one: Be seen - drive with your lights on; slow down – give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination; heads up – watch for fire and emergency vehicles. Have fun!

For more information contact Tom McCampbell, James Stone or Mark Wurdeman, Fire Information Officers at 530-627-3981 or at Ukonom.incident@gmail.com.

USDA Forest Service - Klamath National Forest
Last Modified: Friday, 04 July 2008 at 05:26:58 EDT