Modoc National Forest Sign (Michael McCullough, Flickr)

It is Hot and Dry, but Firefighters Create Success

ALTURAS, Calif.— With 31 active fires currently burning on the Modoc National Forest, others likely smoldering unidentified at this time and more hot weather and lightning on the way, the 2018 fire season is off to an active start on your national forest.

The Meadows Fire near Janes Reservoir is still the largest on the forest. It was held at 60 acres yesterday and was last reported at 50-percent contained. Next largest is the Kelly Fire between Big Sage Reservoir and the Devil’s Garden Conservation Camp. It was called contained July 15 at 52 acres.

Folks in Surprise Valley were seeing smoke yesterday from the Conklin Fire on the east side of the Warner Mountains (T41N R16E Sec 8). Two helicopters worked this fire until dark last night as ground crew access is limited. It was last reported at 2-3 acres and 50-percent contained.

The Plum Fire north of Clear Lake on the Doublehead Ranger District (T47N R7E Sec11) was reported yesterday afternoon. It was held at two acres with the help of multiple aircraft including a super scooper. The response is meant to protect sage grouse habitat and the last remaining mating “lek” in the area.

The Three Springs Fire west of Goose Lake also has limited access, but was held at five acres last night. Two crews and a helicopter will continue working to contain this fire today.

All other known fires on the forest were held to less than one acre.

Updates are available from the BLM for Eagle Fire south of Eagleville at https://inciweb.nwcg.gov/incident/5926/.

Modoc National Forest to Implement Fire Restrictions Friday

ALTURAS, Calif. – Fire-safety restrictions will go into effect on the Modoc National Forest on Friday, July 20, 2018, and will remain in place through the end of fire season.

“We are implementing these restrictions to provide for public safety and the protection of natural resources,” said Forest Supervisor Amanda McAdams. “With expected warmer weather and dry fuel conditions, there is increased risk of wildfires.” Similar restrictions are also going into effect on neighboring public lands. Visitors should check with the land management agency responsible for the area they plan to visit.

Modoc National Forest restrictions prohibit the use of fires, campfires, charcoal fires and stoves except in the South Warner Wilderness and the following designated recreation sites:

Devil’s Garden and Warner Mountain ranger districts: Big Sage Day Use, Blue Lake, Cave Lake, Howard’s Gulch, Jane’s Reservoir, East Creek, Emerson, Lassen Creek, Lily Lake, Mill Creek Falls, Patterson, Pepperdine, Reservoir C, Reservoir F, Soup Springs, Stough Reservoir, Cottonwood and Plum Valley campgrounds
Doublehead and Big Valley ranger districts: A.H. Hogue, Ash Creek, Blanche Lake, Bullseye Lake, Headquarters, Hemlock, Little Medicine Lake Day Use Area, Medicine Lake, Medicine Lake Boat Ramp, Medicine Lake Swim Beach, Paynes Spring, Willow Creek, Willow Creek Day Use Area, Dan Ryan Camp, Upper Rush Creek, and Lower Rush Creek campgrounds.

Campfires are permitted only in existing fire rings. California campfire permits are available online at www.preventwildfireca.org. Additional restriction information, excepted campgrounds and more safety information is available at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/modoc/alerts-notices. Please call 530-233-8511 for additional information or with any questions.

The following acts are also prohibited as part of the fire restrictions:

Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or a building, within the designated recreation sites listed at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/modoc/alerts-notices, or while stopped in an area at least three feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of all flammable material.
Welding, or operating an acetylene or other torch with open flame.
Operating an internal combustion engine, except on National Forest System roads or trails or within the designated recreation sites listed at https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/modoc/alerts-notices.

Fireworks are always prohibited on public lands. Forest visitors can continue riding off-highway vehicles on designated roads and trails provided vehicles are equipped with spark arresters. Spark arresters are also required on chainsaws.

Klamath Falls News coverage of the 2018 Wildfire Season is brought to you by Excel Auto Body.

We at Excel Auto Body appreciate the brave men and women wildland firefighters that put themselves in harms way to protect our greatest treasures. Thank you for all that you.

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