8/3/2017 Modoc July Fire Complex Update

Thursday, August 3, 2017
Fire Information Line: 530-710-8620

Date Started: July 24, 2017           
Cause:  Lightning          
Size: Size:  80,365 acres           
Containment: 40%             
Structures Destroyed:            0           
Firefighter injuries to date:  2          
Total Personnel: 2,252
Fire Resources:    52 crews,   160 engines,   4 helicopters,   30 bulldozers,   19 water tenders

FIRE SUMMARYFirefighters worked through the night on the Steele and Cove fires, actively burning in the Modoc July Complex. Fire crews made extensive progress advancing containment lines as more favorable weather conditions such as an increase in relative humidity created opportunities to further secure line. Firefighters will remain vigilant and take appropriate suppression action as high temperatures, low fuel moistures and relative humidity is expected again with the possibility of thunderstorm activity in the Lassen and Warner Mountain area producing gusty, erratic outflow winds. These factors all contribute to the high resistance to control these fires have demonstrated.

SOUTH ZONE     The Cove Fire near Adin grew 10,000 acres yesterday but remained quiet overnight and now is estimated at 28,739 acres total. Firefighters mopped up along the north edge to further secure containment lines. Crews completed and secured containment line around a large spot fire in the southeast towards Adin that burned into lighter fuels which made line construction and containment easier. Crews patrolled and held containment lines to the southwest and west and were aided by winds that blew the fire back in on previously burned areas. Constructing, securing, and patrolling containment lines as well as mopping up are a priority for firefighters in anticipation of upcoming weather events.

NORTH ZONE    The Steele Fire, just south of the Oregon/California border is estimated at 45,533 acres and remained relatively quiet overnight, with the exception of increased activity on the northeast side. A spot fire that was estimated at 300 acres yesterday evening grew to 3,000 acres and crossed Crowder Flat Road. Crews constructed control line around the entire spot and have put in a hoselay to assist with mop up to keep fire within containment lines. Crews will improve and patrol constructed fireline today as the light fuels outside of containment lines can ignite and carry fire quickly. The Lake Fire and Rimrock Fire are secure and will continue to be patrolled. Initial attack resources are in place to respond to new starts that may ignite from the forecasted thunderstorm systems expected today.

EVACUATIONSThe Modoc County Sheriff’s office issued a mandatory evacuation notice 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. 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 Campground are closed.

The latest Modoc July Complex Information can be found at: http://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5415/ or at  www.Facebook.com/ModocNF