Six Rivers National Forest release:

Yesterday, the Six Rivers National Forest received  lightning from thunderstorms that passed over Northern California.  

As of 7:30 a.m. PDT this morning, there were approximately 282 lightning strikes over the  North Coast. Firefighters are responding to lightning fires as they are discovered by both ground and aerial resources. At this time, there are five confirmed lightning fires on two Ranger districts.  

Gasquet Ranger District 

Myrtle Fire – Approximately .1 acre with ground resources on scene. The fire is located   northeast of Crescent City on Low Divide Road near Forest Route 17N21 near the top of the   ridge. Fire is controlled and in patrol status. 

Goose Fire – Approximately .25 acre located northeast of Klamath near Red Mountain Road   (forest road 15N13). Forest Service resources include three engines, one handcrew, one   watertender, an air attack and two helicopters responding. CAL FIRE Humboldt-Del Norte Unit  is providing two additional handcrews and two dozers to clear paths for access to the fire. 

Goose Two Fire – Approximately .1 acre located east of Rocky Saddle. Currently one Forest   Service engine onsite, and fire was detected using interagency aircraft. Fire is contained and   firefighters are working on mop up and control.  

Broken Fire – Currently the size is unknown, located northeast of Klamath near the east fork  of Goose Creek. Forest Service resources include three engines, two handcrews, and one   watertender responding. CAL FIRE Humboldt-Del Norte Unit is also assisting with two   handcrews and 2 dozers to clear paths for access to the fire. 
Orleans/Ukonom Ranger District  

Orleans/Ukonom Ranger District 

Wooley Fire – Currently unknown size, this fire reported in the Marble Mountain wilderness  near the Black Mountain Trailhead. Aircraft patrolled the area and were unable to locate,   however, aircraft will continue to patrol.  A Red Flag Warning remains in effect until 11 p.m. tonight and more lightning is in the forecast  today over the Six Rivers National Forest. 

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Holdover lightning fires can smolder for days and even weeks following a thunderstorm. It can  take several days of dry and warm weather for these fires to become visible. 

Firefighters will continue to monitor conditions and respond to lightning fires as they are  discovered in the coming days.  

“The Six Rivers National Forest has steep, challenging terrain where access can be a challenge,  especially with lightning fires burning in remote areas,” said Six Rivers National Forest Fire  Management Officer Josh Eichamer. “We are committed to swift suppression with public and  firefighter safety our top priority.” 

Firefighters will make appropriate risk-informed efforts to fully suppress small fires before they  become large, complex incidents to ensure protection of lives, property, valuable timber and  natural resources. This means suppressing fires as swiftly as possible to minimize fireline  exposure and readiness for the next ignition. 

“This is the annual week of remembrance honoring fallen wildland firefighters,” Eichamer said.  “It is a somber reminder of the risk wildland firefighters face and as we respond to lightning  fires our ultimate goal is for every firefighter to make it home safely to their family and friends at  the end of the incident.” 

To help firefighters focus on lightning fire response, area residents and visitors are asked to be  careful with anything that can spark a wildfire and to help prevent additional fires. The public  can also report suspected wildfires by calling 911. 

As a reminder, all fireworks are prohibited on National Forest System lands, including the Six  Rivers National Forest and developed recreation sites. This includes poppers, sparklers and  other fireworks. 

The Forest is not currently under fire restrictions, but preventing human-caused wildfires is  important, especially as firefighters are responding to lightning fires. Campfires should never be  left unattended and should be dead out and cold to the touch before leaving.