News

UPDATE:

The Red Salmon Complex has grown to 16,255 acres and remains at 38 percent containment, according to this evening's update.

On the Salmon Fire, "lines around this fire continue to hold as internal islands continue to burn inside the line."

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The Red and Salmon fires are merging together, according to this morning’s update, with the total complex now at 15,500 acres and 38 percent containment.

There are currently 22 crews, 11 helicopters, 36 engines, nine bulldozers, 34 water tenders working on the fires.
Read the full update below:

Current Situation: Fires within this Complex have started burning together. The Red and Salmon Fires remain within containment lines and have merged on ridge lines above the Red Cap Lake area.

The spot fire near Prospect Peak is pushing into the Red Fire near Whiteys Peak and is also establishing itself in the China Creek drainage. California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 continues to work closely with Native American Tribes in all fire suppression efforts. A series of video meetings with these tribes will occur throughout the week.

Red Fire: Last night on the northwest side, the fire backed down closer to containment lines after a successful burn with the UAS yesterday. Crews monitored the fire through the night, holding it at the containment line. An unburned area of about 5 acres within the line will be burned today, securing this section.

Today fire managers are scouting for containment options and safety concerns along the Packsaddle-Horse Trail ridge system on the southwest, and Devils Backbone on the southeast. These efforts will contain the fire on the south end. On the far north and northeast sections, resource advisors are protecting natural and cultural resource as firefighters continue reinforcing lines on Highpoint Ridge and the dozer line and 04 Road system. Fire managers continue to look for options connecting these lines to contain the fire.

Salmon Fire: Internal unburned islands continue to burn inside containment lines producing smoke.

Weather: Drier more stable air moves over the area on Wednesday with light winds out of the west at 3-5 mph. Temperatures over the fire today are expected to be 82 to 86. Minimum relative humidity should be around 20 percent. A cooling trend of a few degrees each day will continue through Friday.

Air Quality: Terrain driven winds will bring smoke down into canyons and valleys again this evening. Refer to fires.airfire.org/outlooks/NWCalifornia.

Closures: The Red Salmon Fire Forest Closure became effective on August 8, 2020. As hunting seasons open, hunters are reminded the closure is in place for their safety as well as the safety of firefighters. The full Forest Closure Order can be found on Inciweb. inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/6891

COVID-19: California Interagency Incident Management Team 4 has implemented precautionary measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in both fire camp and the surrounding communities. These measures include daily temperature screenings, mandatory use of face coverings, social distancing, implementing more virtual work, and smaller fire camps. Community and firefighter safety are a top priority of both Team 4 and the National Forests.