PREVIOUSLY:

###

UPDATE, 6:30 p.m.: Evacuations are underway in Trinity County, including a voluntary evacuation for the town of Hyampom, as the Saddle Fire has grown to 250 acres in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest.

From InciWeb:

The South Fork Management Unit has reported seven fires. The largest fire from this lightning event is the Saddle Fire, which is currently estimated at 250 acres.

The Trinity County Sheriff’s Office is implementing mandatory evacuations along County Road 311, also known as the Lower South Fork Road, north of Big Slide Campground to Manzanita Ranch. Residents of Hyampom are under an advisory evacuation. The Red Cross is setting up an evacuation center at the Hayfork Fairgrounds. Forest resources are currently on scene, and an Incident Management Team has been ordered to take over firefighting operations beginning tomorrow.

Press release from Six Rivers National Forest:

Six Rivers National Forest fire management staff has made great headway in containing the confirmed wildfires on the forest. Lightning, from storms that moved through the area on Monday and Tuesday, started multiple wildfires.

According to Forest Supervisor Merv George Jr., “So far, we’ve been very successful at keeping these fires small, all while keeping safety a priority. Considering all the fires we’ve had in such a short period of time, we’ve only had two heat-related injuries.”

There are currently 10 fires on the Gasquet Ranger District, the forest’s northernmost district. Containment on the Devil Fire has been reduced to 85 percent due to a 1-acre spot fire. Containment is 100 percent with fire staff in patrol and mop-up mode for the following fires: Holiday (4.7 acres), Kelly (.25 acres), Kelly 2 (1 acre), Gordon (1.3 acres) and Cedar (.5 acres). The previously reported Buck, Jedidiah and Doe Flat fires have not been located via reconnaissance. Smokejumpers are on order for the Prescott Fire, which is currently .25 acres.

There are 2 fires on the Orleans District: the Bear Fire is 100 percent contained at just under 1 acre; and the Dog Fire has been reported, but has yet to be located via reconnaissance.

There are 8 fires on the Lower Trinity District: the Hogback, Oak and Brannan fires are all contained at .10 acres. Waterman is currently 5 acres and is staffed with an engine, a hotshot crew, with more resources on the way. Linto is .20 acres and is staffed with one fire crew and one hotshot crew. Underwood is currently staffed with a hotshot crew and smokejumpers. The Ladder and Range fires have yet to be located via reconnaissance.

There are 5 fires the Mad River District, the forest’s southernmost district. The Hetten, Rodeo, Peak and Soldier fires are all 100 percent contained and are being patrolled and mopped by fire staff. Each of these fires was less than an acre. The Green Fire has not yet been located via reconnaissance.

George added, “With these hot, dry conditions, everyone needs to be extra careful when it comes to fire. If you think you might want a campfire on your next camping trip, make sure you pick up a permit at any of our offices. They’re free and have important information regarding fire safety and the responsible use of fire.”

Fires are also active on the Klamath, Shasta-Trinity, Modoc and Rogue River-Siskiyou national forests.