New Fire Explodes To Nearly 3,500 Acres Near Willow Creek On Tuesday

Many lightning strikes touched down on the Klamath National Forest Sunday and Monday. Most of the resulting fires have been held very small and others are still being evaluated.

A fast moving fire broke out Tuesday south of Willow Creek in the Mosquito Creek Drainage. It’s grown to around 3,500 acres as the Forest Service says it’s shown extreme fire behavior. Evacuations were ordered as a steady stream of air tankers circulated from Redding.

The Shelly Fire started July 3rd near Shelly Lake in the Marble Mountains of Siskiyou County and has slowed considerably after burning 15,317 acres. It’s 8% contained. Six people have been injured. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in effect for thousands of people. That fire is being fought by both Cal-Fire and the Forest Service, with more than 3,300 personnel on scene with a large contingent of resources.

The Paradise Fire that started Monday off Ager Road west of Siskiyou County Airport is fully contained after burning 101 acres.

The Dewey Fire 5 miles east of Siskiyou County Airport is 80% contained and remains at 109 acres.

The Point Fire which started Monday south of Lava Beds National Monument in Modoc County is nearly contained at about 300 acres.

The Rim Fire that started Saturday afternoon in Lassen County east of Little Valley is still 1025 acres, now with 40% containment.

The Pickett Fire is off Pickett Peak Trail near Lower Mad River road east of Ruth Lake in Trinity County. It’s burned 12 acres with no containment.

-Steve Gibson