Klamath National Forest

Newsroom - Ukonom Complex Fire Update

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

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For immediate release.

Orleans, CA (July 23, 2008)

Fire crews took advantage of the light rains over the fire area from Tuesday night and continued to construct and improve fire lines in both the north and south parts of the fire.  Most of the recent moisture has now evaporated and conditions are similar as they were before the thunderstorm.  Two new lightning-caused fires were discovered yesterday and initial attack suppression resources quickly responded and constructed fire lines around the perimeter of the fire.  Both fires were contained at less than 1-acre in size.  Fire managers will continue to monitor for lightning-caused fires during the next few days.  Many times small fires can remain undetected for days under the tree canopy and burn with a low intensity and with very little smoke before being discovered.

In the southern part of the fire near Forks of Salmon, crews were busy holding the fire along Yellowjacket Ridge.  Strategies have been developed to minimize the effects of the fire and to protect structures along the Salmon River corridor.  A fire line is also being constructed from Yellowjacket Ridge to the North Fork of Salmon River Road to further contain the fire.  Burn out operations should be completed this morning.

The fire became very active yesterday afternoon in the center of the fire near Morehouse Creek and sent a column, or plume of smoke high into the air.  This concerns fire managers because many times burning material is carried high into the plume and can be deposited far in advance of the main fire.  When the winds carry the smoke and burning material in a direction of unburned fuels or across containment lines, then this “spotting” can advance the fire much quicker and unpredictably than a usual burn.

Many contingency fire lines have been constructed in the north and south parts of the fire and may be used as a fall-back strategy if the fire jumps containment lines.  Line scouts have been exploring effective and safe ways of indirectly suppressing this fire.  This country has a rich history of wildland fires and where possible, previous fire lines were utilized.  In the high country and especially in the Marble Mountain Wilderness, all efforts are being made to minimize fire suppression effects and leave a light touch on the land.

A closure remains in effect for the Salmon River Road near Somes Bar to the Forks of Salmon to the general public. Local residents and firefighters will be allowed to travel this road with restrictions. Roads near the fire are extremely smoky and caution and common sense are urged when traveling near Somes Bar and Forks of the Salmon.  Heavy equipment, fire engines, and firefighters are on or near the roads. All recreation trails within the Ukonom Ranger District part of the Marble Mountain Wilderness are closed, as well as the Norcross and Johnson Hunting Ground Trailheads until further notice. The Dillon Creek Campground is also closed until conditions change.

A public meeting is planned for tonight at the Community Center at Forks of Salmon at 4:30 p.m.  Fire managers and district rangers will be available to present fire information and display maps.

USDA Forest Service - Klamath National Forest
Last Modified: Thursday, 24 July 2008 at 05:18:10 EDT