InciWeb: China-back Complex Wildland Fire - 2,906 acres - 85%

China-back Complex Wildland Fire

• InciWeb: Incident Information

INCIDENT UPDATED 8 MIN. AGO

Summary

The China and Back fires which started as a result of severe lightning from thunderstorms on July 9^th have kept firefighters busy for the past week and a half. The US Forest Service and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) have been operating in Unified Command to extinguish the fires. As of 6:00 pm today, Unified Command will end and the US Forest Service will assume sole management responsibility of the fires.

Firefighters will continue to engage in fire suppression throughout the area on the China Fire. The Back Fire has a 100% containment line around it and is being continually monitored. The China Fire is 85% contained and the acres burned are at 2906. A significant reduction in firefighters from it's high point of 806 personnel will occur today and allow for resources to be available for other assignments.

Smoke from the numerous fires in the area caused concerns from residents yesterday in Yreka, Scott Valley, and other nearby areas. However, smoke conditions should improve today due to the rains that arrived shortly after midnight and give area residents considerable relief from the smoke. With the arrival of the rain, the roads may be slippery and caution should be exercised when driving.

For questions regarding campground and trail closures contact Duane Lyons from the Klamath National Forest at (530) 841-4485.

Fire Information phone number will change tomorrow.

Basic Information

Incident Type	Wildland Fire
Cause	Lightning
Date of Origin	07/10/2007 at 00 hrs.
Location	12 miles west of Yreka, Calif
Incident Commander	Norm Walker

Current Situation

Total Personnel	806
Size	2,906 acres
Percent Contained	85%
Estimated Containment Date	07/21/2007 at hrs.
Fuels Involved	Timber
Fire Behavior	Smoldering, creeping and ground fires were observed well within the interior of the fire.
Significant Events	All areas of the China and Back fires received measurable rain after midnight until daybreak, with minimal fire activity.

Outlook

Planned Actions	Firefighters will continue to improve and extend fire lines around the perimeter of the fire.
Growth Potential	Low
Terrain Difficulty	The terrain is extremely steep in many locations.
Remarks	Smoke may be visible along Interstate 5 in the Yreka area. State Highway 96 is open to all motorists.

Weather

Current Wind Conditions	5 mph SW
Current Temperature	55 degrees
Current Humidity	85 %