Crews Wrapping Up The Gap Fire, Now At 33K Acres, 85 Percent Containment

FINAL UPDATE: TUESDAY, SEPT. 13, 6:00 a.m.

This is the final update on the Gap fire unless conditions change for the worse.

The Gap Fire, on the Klamath National Forest, has burned 33,867 acres and is still 85 percent contained. The acreage increase is due to a change in mapping methods. The acreage figure includes all acres—burned and unburned—within the fire perimeter.

• Two community meetings are scheduled: one today, September 13, at 6 pm at Seiad Valley fire station and one tomorrow, September 14, at 6 pm at Horse Creek Community Church.
• Motorists might experience temporary closures on Highway 96 due to fire-suppression activity or crews moving equipment.
• Residents and visitors in the area are likely to see smoke and occasional fire as unburned vegetation continues to ignite inside the fire perimeter.

During yesterday’s operational period a red-flag warning for gusty winds and low relative humidity began at 2 pm. Although the northwest firelines were tested, crews successfully kept the fire within containment lines. Elsewhere around the fire perimeter, firefighters mopped up containment lines, repaired contingency lines, and backhauled excess equipment and trash.   
The red-flag warning has been lifted. Today, firefighters will concentrate on locating and extinguishing isolated heat sources along the western perimeter to keep the fire from spotting over the last remaining section of uncontained line. These heat sources range from smoldering tree stumps to burning interior islands of vegetation.

Helicopters will be available for water drops. Additional firefighters and heavy equipment are on standby and will respond to new fire starts as needed. Crews will continue to backhaul, mop up, and patrol the firelines. South of the fire area, firefighters are repairing contingency lines—dozer and hand lines—constructed during the fire-suppression phase.

A Forest Closure remains in effect for areas affected by the Gap Fire on the Klamath National Forest. The Beaver Creek Road is closed at the intersection with West Beaver Creek Road (47N01). Beaver Creek Road remains open to the east 2118(48N01).

The cause of the Gap Fire is still under investigation. If you have information pertaining to the fire investigation, please contact the US Forest Service Tipline for the Klamath National Forest at 530-841-4474

For additional information on air quality, please visit http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ andhttp://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/

For additional information and pictures, please visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4997/

UPDATE: MONDAY, SEPT. 12, 6:00 a.m.

The Gap Fire, on the Klamath National Forest, has burned 32,792 acres and is 85 percent contained. The 468-acre increase from yesterday is due to pockets of vegetation burning in the fire’s interior and not perimeter expansion.

• Two community meetings are scheduled: one tomorrow, September 13, at 6 pm at Seiad Valley fire station and one Wednesday, September 14, at 6 pm at Horse Creek Community Church.
• Motorists might experience temporary closures on Highway 96 due to fire-suppression activity or crews moving equipment.
• Residents and visitors in the area are likely to see smoke and occasional fire as unburned vegetation continues to ignite inside the fire perimeter.

Yesterday, the fire was most active on the northeast side, and firelines were tested by northwest winds. But helicopters and crews successfully held the perimeter. On other areas of the fire, firefighters mopped up and patrolled the lines, including the south end along Highway 96. They also continued to wrapped power poles along the highway as the potential for re-burn in that area is very unlikely. Firefighters finished chipping along contingency lines northeast of the fire.
A red flag warning is in effect from 2 pm today to 11 am tomorrow for gusty winds and low relative humidity. The biggest area of concern is the northwest corner of the fire because northeast winds are predicted to gust up to 30 mph on ridgetops. Holding that northwest line is a priority for crews, and helicopters will be available for water drops. Additional firefighters are on standby to respond to new fire starts and for structure protection if needed. Crews will continue to mop up and repair areas affected by fire-suppression activities on the north and south.

A Forest Closure remains in effect for areas affected by the Gap Fire on the Klamath National Forest. The Beaver Creek Road is closed at the intersection with West Beaver Creek Road (47N01). Beaver Creek Road remains open to the east 2118(48N01).

The cause of the Gap Fire is still under investigation. If you have information pertaining to the fire investigation, please contact the US Forest Service Tipline for the Klamath National Forest at 530-841-4474.

For additional information on air quality, please visit http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ andhttp://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/

For additional information and pictures, please visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4997/

UPDATE: FRIDAY, SEPT. 9, 6:00 a.m.

As of 6:00 a.m. the Gap fire in the Klamath National Forest has burned 31,664 acres and 85% contained. Containment lines continue to hold. Increased acreage is due to islands of vegetation burning inside the perimeter of the containment line.

• Motorists may experience temporary closures on Highway 96 due to fire, suppression activity, or crews moving equipment.

Firefighters patrolled the fire’s perimeter overnight while continuing to mop-up additional areas. Fire was visible from Highway 96 but remained far inside containment lines. With all the progress being made, night shift will be suspended atmidnight tonight unless fire conditions change.
Crews will continue today with mop-up and backhaul of equipment and trash. Additionally, they will begin suppression repair work by covering containment lines to prevent erosion and unauthorized use, building water bars and berms to minimize erosion, and repairing roads that were damaged during suppression efforts. The fire will continue to back down with low-intensity through remaining interior islands of vegetation. Smoke from the interior fire will continue to be visible. Predicted winds from the northeast will likely move smoke from the Gap Fire to the southwest for the next few days.

A Forest Closure is in effect for areas affected by the Gap Fire on the Klamath National Forest. The Beaver Creek Road is closed at the intersection with West Beaver Creek Road (47N01). Beaver Creek Road remains open to the east 2118(48N01).

The cause of the Gap Fire is still under investigation. If you have information pertaining to the fire investigation, please contact the US Forest Service Tipline for the Klamath National Forest at 530-841-4474.

For additional information on air quality, please visit http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ andhttp://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/

For additional information and pictures, please visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4997/

UPDATE: WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 7, 6:00 a.m.

As of 6:00 this morning, the Gap fire in the Klamath Siskiyou National Forest has burned  29,759 acres and 65% contained.

• A public meeting will be held at the Scott Bar Community Hall tomorrow, September 8, at 6pm.
• All mandatory evacuations have been lifted.
• Advisory evacuations are in effect for both sides of Highway 96 between Scott River Road and Walker Gulch--including Hamburg.
• An advisory evacuation remains in effect for residences on Ladd Road west from Hick’s Gulch to Walker Gulch on the north side of the Klamath River.
• Motorists may experience temporary closures on Highway 96 due to fire and/or suppression activity.

Night crews completed construction on the last remaining piece of open line overnight, tying dozer line from the northeast into Forest Road 12 southwest of the Morgan Ranch. They carefully fired along the line, creating good containment depth. Crews completed firing around the ranch buildings, and mopped up firelines to maintain containment—generally to a depth of 200 feet or more. A spot fire occurred at approximately 5:30pm yesterday evening between Highway 96 and the Klamath River west of Hamburg. Crews responded quickly and contained the spot, successfully holding the fire north of the river.
Crews will work today to hold lines and mop up today around the fire, and to complete low-intensity firing operations along the north and south sides of the fire, as conditions permit. Residents and motorists in the area should be aware that smoke will be visible from inside the fire perimeter for the foreseeable future as unburned islands of vegetation continue to ignite.
While a robust marine layer helped raise relative humidity overnight, warmer and drier temperatures are predicted for the fire area beginning today and lasting through the weekend. Winds are predicted to be light and terrain-driven.

A Forest Closure is in effect for areas affected by the Gap Fire on the Klamath National Forest. The Beaver Creek Road is closd at the intersection with West Beaver Creek Road (47N01). Beaver Creek Road remains open to the east 2118(48N01).

The cause of the Gap Fire is still under investigation. If you have information pertaining to the fire investigation, please contact the US Forest Service Tipline for the Klamath National Forest at 530-841-4474.

For additional information on air quality, please visit http://californiasmokeinfo.blogspot.com/ andhttp://oregonsmoke.blogspot.com/

For additional information and pictures, please visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4997/

UPDATE: TUESDAY, SEPT. 6, 6:00 a.m.

As of 6:00 this morning, the Gap fire in the Klamath Siskiyou National Forest has burned 27,958 acres and is 30% contained.

• A public meeting will be held TONIGHT, September 6, 2016 at 4pm at the Horse Creek Community Church.
• Mandatory evacuations remain in place this morning for both sides of Highway 96 between Scott River Road and Walker Gulch including Hamburg.
• Mandatory evacuations remain for residences on Ladd Road west from Hick’s Gulch to Walker Gulch on the north side of the Klamath River.
• Motorists should expect temporary hard closures on Highway 96 due to fire activity.
• Advisory evacuations remain issued for residents along Highway 96 west from Walker Gulch; including the community of Seiad Valley, and along the Seiad Creek Road from Seiad Valley to Panther Gulch.
• Scott Bar remains under an evacuation advisory.

Firefighters used cool temperatures and favorable winds overnight to carefully bring fire to the Klamath River, removing unburned vegetation between the active fire front and the river. They also continued to construct indirect contingency dozer line on the south side of the Klamath River. Firefighters continue to slowly bring fire from containment line on the north side of the fire to meet the active fire edge. This effort is intended to reduce fire intensity as it approaches the containment line. Crews will continue this work as conditions permit. Successful mop-up continued on the east and west flanks overnight.
Today, crews will continue to hold, mop-up and monitor the fire for any lofting embers that could ignite vegetation outside of the containment line. Structure defense will remain in place for the coming days around residences in Hamburg and along the Highway 96 corridor.
Daytime weather is expected to be similar to yesterday, with temperatures trending a few degrees warmer and winds remaining light. Tonight a deeper marine layer is expected, with higher relative humidity and better moisture recovery.

A Forest Closure is in effect for areas affected by the Gap Fire on the Klamath National Forest. The Beaver Creek Road is closed at the intersection with West Beaver Creek Road (47N01). Beaver Creek Road east remains open (48N01).

The cause of the Gap Fire is still under investigation. If you have information pertaining to the fire investigation, please contact the US Forest Service Tipline for the Klamath National Forest at 530-841-4474.

For additional information and pictures, please visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4997/

UPDATE: Monday, SEPT. 5, 6:00 a.m.

As of 6:00 a.m.  this morning, the Gap fire in the Klamath Siskiyou National Forest has burned 25,801 acres and is 30% contained.

• Mandatory evacuations remain in place this morning for both sides of Highway 96 between Scott River Road and Walker Gulch including Hamburg.
• Mandatory evacuations remain for residences on Ladd Road west from Hick’s Gulch to Walker Gulch on the north side of the Klamath River.
• Motorists should expect temporary hard closures on Highway 96 due to fire activity.
• Advisory evacuations remain issued for residents along Highway 96 west from Walker Gulch; including the community of Seiad Valley, and along the Seiad Creek Road from Seiad Valley to Panther Gulch.
• Scott Bar remains under an evacuation advisory.
• Two structures were reported destroyed near Hick’s Gulch on the north side of the Klamath River. They have yet to be assessed on the ground.

Crews had a productive shift overnight, continuing low-intensity firing operations along the dozer line southwest from the Pacific Crest Trail. Firefighters worked to strengthen and mop up lines along the western side of the fire. Along Highway 96, crews carefully brought fire toward the river to help hold it there. The fire was relatively quiet, and no spot fires were reported south of the river.
Today, crews will work to strategically place fire on the fire perimeter, as conditions permit, to remove fuel between the active fire and primary fire line. This action will reduce fire intensity and minimize the likelihood of fire crossing indirect containment line to the north.  On the south, firefighters will continue to bring fire down to the river, as structure defense, should it become necessary. Mop-up continues along the western and eastern flanks of the fire, which are both holding well.

Weather is expected to stay in the low 80s through today with light winds predicted. High pressure building off the west coast is expected to work inland beginning on Wednesday, leading to warmer temperatures and lower relative humidity.

A Forest Closure is in effect for areas affected by the Gap Fire on the Klamath National Forest. The Beaver Creek Road is closed at the intersection with West Beaver Creek Road (47N01). This change allows public access east on the Beaver Creek Road (48N01).
The cause of the Gap Fire is still under investigation. If you have information pertaining to the fire investigation, please contact the US Forest Service Tipline for the Klamath National Forest at 530-841-4474.

For additional information and pictures, please visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4997/

UPDATE: SATURDAY, SEPT. 3, 6:00 a.m.

As of 6:00 a.m. Saturday, the Gap fire in the Klamath Siskiyou National Forest has burned 20,086 acres and is 14% contained.

• Due to an increase in fire activity, mandatory evacuations have been issued for residences on Ladd Road west from Walker Gulch to Hick’s Gulch north of the Klamath River.
• Advisory evacuations have been issued for residents along Highway 96 between Hamburg and Seiad Valley, for the community of Seiad Valley, and along the Seiad Creek Road from Seiad Valley to Panther Gulch. Hamburg remains under evacuation advisory as well.
• No structures have been damaged or destroyed by the Gap Fire since the initial fire activity on August 28, 2016.
• Highway 96 is currently open with no traffic controls. However, drivers are cautioned that as the fire approaches the road, temporary closures may be necessary to protect public and firefighter safety.
• A structure protection group has been assigned in Hamburg and along the Highway 96 corridor. Residents and motorists should be aware of firefighting personnel and equipment in the area and along Highway 96.

The fire remained active overnight in the area along Highway 96 and the Klamath River. Firefighters successfully held it north of the highway. The western and eastern flanks of the fire remained relatively quiet, and crews continued work to secure the line to at least 200’ from the fire’s edge. They completed firing operations around the Mapleseden Ranch. On the northern edge of the fire, dozers continued to open old lines and to widen and clear brush from existing roads.
The priority today is to continue to hold the fire at the Klamath River, and to complete structure assessments and provide structure defense as necessary. Fire personnel will be in the Hamburg area talking to residents.

A Forest Closure is in effect for areas affected by the Gap Fire on the Klamath National Forest. A slight modification was made to the closure today; the Beaver Creek Road is now closed at the intersection with West Beaver Creek Road (47N01). This change allows public access east on the Beaver Creek Road (48N01).

The cause of the Gap Fire is still under investigation. If you have information pertaining to the fire investigation, please contact the US Forest Service Tipline for the Klamath National Forest at 530-841-4474.

UPDATE: FRIDAY, SEPT. 2, 7:13 a.m.

Fire activity was greatly moderated yesterday with the lack of clearing skies due to smoke trapped under the inversion layer. As the temperatures dropped and humidity increased last night, the fire activity became minimal. Crews took advantage of favorable conditions and began tactical firing operations to help secure the fires edge. Mop up and patrol of existing lines continued on most areas of the fire.

Firefighters will continue with structure defense, maintain current containment lines, and scout for opportunities to construct direct / indirect line.

UPDATE: THURSDAY, SEPT 1, 6:00 a.m.

The Gap Fire is burning on the Klamath National Forest. As of 6am Thursday, the Gap fire, burning on the Klamath National Forest, has grown to 17,032 acres and 8% contained. 1,561 firefighters are currently assigned to the fire.

Evacuation advisories remain in effect today. No structures have been damaged or destroyed by the Gap Fire since Sunday, August 28.

Firefighters made good progress overnight, tactically firing containment lines off Forest Road 47N77 (west of Robinson Gulch) to prevent fire spread to the west. The northwest side of the fire (from Robinson Gulch to White Cloud Mountain and east toward Doggett Middle Road—also known as Forest Road 12 ) was active overnight, but held within constructed dozer lines.

Crews continued to reopen and re-establish dozer lines from the Beaver Fire northeast toward the Pacific Crest Trail and along the east side of the fire. The northeast side of the fire (toward Buckhorn Ridge) was active overnight, pushing toward dozer lines. Spots on the southeastern corner of the fire over Highway 96 in the Everill Creek area continued to hold overnight. The fire continued to back toward the river overnight. Crews on Johnny O’Neill Ridge made good progress building dozer containment line.

Increased northwesterly winds are predicted for later today, and priorities during day shift will be to strengthen lines below Seiad Low Gap down to O’Neill Ridge and along Forest Road 47N77 into Salt Gulch. As part of the effort to contain the fire along the south perimeter, firefighters are using boats to cross the Klamath River.

Highway 96 is now open, with controlled, piloted traffic through the fire area. Burned material, rocks, and vegetation loosened by the fire may roll onto the road and drivers are urged to use extreme caution. The road could be closed at any time, should fire conditions change.

The cause of the Gap Fire is still under investigation. If you have information pertaining to the fire investigation, please contact the US Forest Service Tipline for the Klamath National Forest at 530-841-4474.

Siskiyou County has instituted a rapid emergency notification service called CodeRED®. Please visithttps://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/content/codered-emergency-alert-system for more information or to register for CodeRED®. This service is used to notify residents about evacuations

For additional information and pictures, please visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4997/

UPDATE: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 4:00 p.m.

An emergency closure order has been implemented on both the Klamath and Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest lands to provide for public safety and to facilitate wildfire suppression efforts around the Gap Fire. The temporary closure order was implemented due to extreme fire behavior on the Gap Fire—the result of many years of drought, heavy fuel loading and strong erratic winds. The closure order will remain in effect until the fire is declared out. 

Going into or being on National Forest lands, roads, or trails within the closure area is prohibited. This includes approximately 23 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail north of Seiad, California.

The Gap Fire Closure Area boundary begins at the intersection of Highway 96 and the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) and continues north and east to the intersection of the PCT and Forest Road No. 47N01 at Warps Gap. The boundary continues southeast along the northeastern edge of West Beaver Road (Forest Road No. 47N01) to the intersection with Beaver Creek Road (Forest Road 11).  The boundary continues south along the western edge of Beaver Creek Road to the intersection with Highway 96.  From that intersection the boundary continues west along the northern edge of Highway 96 to the intersection with the PCT.

A full description and map of the closure area is available on the Klamath National Forest website atwww.fs.usda.gov/klamath

UPDATE: WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 31, 6:00 a.m.

The Gap Fire is burning on the Klamath National Forest. As of 6am Wednesday, it is 12,829 acres and 5% contained. Over 1120 firefighters are currently assigned to the fire.

There are NO mandatory evacuations at this time. All have been reduced to advisory. The previous advisory evacuation remains in effect.  

The fire was active overnight. Crews worked in the area around Robinson Gulch to contain small spot fires, and began to slowly bring fire to the containment line. They continued to open old dozer lines from the 2014 Beaver Fire north of White Cloud Mountain toward the Pacific Crest Trail. Yesterday evening’s spot fires south of Highway 96 in the Horse Creek drainage were contained. The fire continued overnight to back toward the river at Howard’s Gulch and move toward Johnny O’Neill Ridge.

Crews will work today to continue line construction north from White Cloud Mountain, They will hold existing line and re-establish lines on Buckhorn Ridge northeast toward Dry Lake, working to keep the fire north of Highway 96, and to hold completed containment line around Schutt’s Gulch. Firefighters are looking for opportunities to build line along Johnny O’Neill Ridge as fire approaches.

The operational objectives of the fire remain the same: to keep the fire north of Highway 96, south of the Siskiyou Crest, east of Seiad Creek, and west of the 2014 Beaver Fire footprint.
 

Mop up and assessment continues along Horse Creek and Middle Creek Roads, where nine structures and twelve outbuildings were destroyed by the Gap Fire on the evening of August 27, 2016. No further structures have been reported damaged or destroyed since that date.

Highway 96 is now open, with controlled, piloted traffic through the fire area. Burned material, rocks, and vegetation loosened by the fire may roll onto the road and drivers are urged to use extreme caution. The road could be closed at any time, should fire conditions change.

Weather today is predicted to be a few degrees cooler than yesterday, with slightly higher relative humidities. Winds are predicted to be light: 3-6mph in the morning with gusts to 15mph predicted for the afternoon.

If you have information about the cause of the fire, please contact the US Forest Service Tipline for the Klamath National Forest at 530-841-4474.

Siskiyou County County has instituted a rapid emergency notification service called CodeRED®. Please visithttps://www.co.siskiyou.ca.us/content/codered-emergency-alert-system for more information or to register for CodeRED®. This is the service used to notify residents about evacuations. If residents are not registered with CodeRED they risk no being notified about emergency situations.

For additional information and pictures, please visit http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/4997/
 

UPDATE: TUESDAY, AUGUST 30, 6:00 a.m.

The Gap Fire continues to burn on the Klamath National Forest approximately 20 miles west of Yreka and 35 miles east of Happy Camp. As of 6am, the fire is at approximately 8,820 acres. Over 700 personnel are now assigned to the fire.

The fire was active around its perimeter overnight, with most growth occurring on the southern flank of the fire and that activity continues this morning. Firefighters on night crew worked to catch spot fires near Howards Gulch and to provide structure protection in the Middle Creek area.  Crews also worked to continue the direct line construction begun by yesterday’s day shift into Robinson Gulch.

Today, crews will continue building line into Robinson Gulch, with potential strategic firing operations planned in that area if weather conditions permit. Firefighters will also scout and construct fire line from White Cloud Mountain west toward the Horse Creek Drainage and east toward Middle Creek, as well as west from Buckhorn Ridge toward Middle Creek.

Current operational objectives are to keep the fire north of Highway 96 between Seiad Valley and Horse Creeks, south of the Siskiyou Crest, East of Seiad Creek, and west of the footprint of the 2014 Beaver Fire. Firefighters continue in place to provide structure protection.

Cooler weather is expected for the fire area, and anticipated higher humidity may help crews today. A slight chance of thunderstorms is predicted for this morning.

All evacuations remain in place. Structures in the fire area continue to be assessed, and property owners are aware of damage to their properties. Nine structures, along with twelve outbuildings, were destroyed by the Gap Fire on the evening of August 27, 2016. Highway 96 is now open, with controlled, piloted traffic through the fire area. Burned material, rocks, and vegetation loosened by the fire may roll onto the road and drivers are urged to use extreme caution. The road could be closed at any time, should fire conditions change.

If you have information about the cause of the fire, please contact the US Forest Service Tipline for the Klamath National Forest at 530-841-4470.

UPDATE: MONDAY, AUGUST 29, 8:22 P.M.

Mandatory evacuation orders continue because of the Gap Fire burning on the Klamath National Forest about 20 miles west of Yreka.  Highway 96 is now open, with controlled traffic through the fire area.

An evacuation shelter has been established at the Siskiyou Golden Fairgrounds at 1712 Fairlane Rd in Yreka. Large animals may also be taken to this location.

Since it began Saturday evening, the fire has destroyed nine structures and was at 5,500 acres Monday morning.

There is a public meeting Tuesday evening at 6:00 at the Seiad Volunteer Fire Department and Wednesday evening at 6:00 at the Scott Bar Community Center.

ORIGINAL POST

The Gap Fire was reported on the Klamath National Forest Saturday evening at 6:00 p.m. The fire, located 5 miles east of Seiad, has grown to over 5,000 acres.
 
Resources responded to the scene Sunday evening and began initial attack activities. The fire continued to exhibit extreme behavior last night with short duration crown fire runs and group tree torching.

The Gap Fire is north of Highway 96 and 5 miles east of the town of Seiad, burning on the top of O’Neil Ridge, into the Seiad Creek and Horse Creek drainages.

A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for the Horse Creek and Hamburg communities, and a pre-evacuation was issued for the community of Scott Bar.

CA-Hwy 96 has been closed from the intersection of CA Hwy 263 to the intersection of Scott River Rd.

Due to the growth of the fire, steep terrain, and difficult conditions, the US Forest Service has ordered additional air and ground resources, including Rick Young’s Type 2 Incident Management Team, which assumed command of the incident at 6:00 Monday morning. They will manage the fire from Happy Camp. 

The cause of the Gap Fire is under investigation.