8/2/2017 Modoc July Complex Update

Modoc July Complex Update
Wednesday, August 2, 2017
Morning Update
Fire Information Line: 530-710-8620

Date Started: July 24, 2017           
Cause:  Lightning             
Size:  73,735 acres           
Containment: 35%             
Structures Destroyed:          0           
Firefighter injuries to date:  0        
Total Personnel: 2058Fire Resources:    52 crews,   131 engines,   4 helicopters,   30 bulldozers,   
15 water tenders

FIRE SUMMARYThe Steele and Cove fires on the Modoc July Complex were active overnight and firefighters responded quickly and effectively to the rapidly changing conditions on the Cove Fire. They used appropriate suppression actions and resources to further contain the fire.

SOUTH ZONE     The Cove Fire burned actively throughout the day producing well-defined smoke columns. The fire became plume dominated which by evening had generated cloud-to-cloud lightning and increased winds as a result of the intense heat buildup and atmospheric conditions. Extreme fire behavior in the form of fire whirls and spotting caused the fire to further advance southwest towards a pre-established dozer line near County Roads 90 and 87. Resources were immediately deployed to connect the dozer line around the fire’s southwestern edge and protect structures. They utilized tactical firing to reinforce and create a buffer from the dozer line. Crews also constructed containment line from the 40N17 Road to the cooler heel of the fire. The fire’s advancement into a different fuel type will put firefighters in a better position to slow and possibly stop the fire’s spread. High temperatures, low relative humidity, and forecasted west winds are expected today for the Cove Fire area.

NORTH ZONE    The Steele Fire, just below the Oregon/California border was active but remained within the constructed fireline around the northeast corner of the fire. Crews put in handline along the east side to tie two dozer lines together and will be completing fireline along the entire eastern edge. There is good containment on the west edge and effective work was done on the south end of the fire as crews held the line and patrolled for spot fires. Crews put containment line around two slopovers on the northwest and southwest side of the fire. They will continue mopping up this morning as well as secure and hold existing control lines. The Lake and Rimrock fires have secured lines around them with no additional fire growth. These fires are approximately 4 miles from the Oregon border. The Oregon Department of Forestry has preparations underway in case fire activity pushes further north.

EVACUATIONS The Modoc County Sheriff’s office issued a mandatory evacuation notice Tuesday for the Rush Creek area, the northeast corner of Round Valley, the north side of County Road 87, and the east side of County Road 90. The evacuation shelter is at the Veterans Memorial Hall, on the corner of Veterans Avenue and Bridge Street, Bieber CA. Modoc County deputies will go door-to-door in the impacted area. Code Red Emergency Alert System has been launched for notifications as well. For more information on evacuations, call the Modoc County Sheriff’s Department Information Line at 530-233-4488.

The Modoc Animal Control Officer and High Plateau Humane Society is coordinating animal rescue with assistance from Big Valley Animal Clinic. Small animals will be sheltered at Adin Veterinarian Clinic. For all large animals, contact Animal Control at 530-640-1772.

Road Closures:County Road 87, County Road 90, Rush Creek Loop and Rush Creek Camp Ground are closed

The latest Modoc July Complex Information can be found at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5415/
Download the 8-2-17 Modoc July Complex Morning Update here